Method and system for accessing previously stored game play via video recording as executed on a game cloud system

ABSTRACT

A method for gaming, including receiving from a client device of a user selection of a video recording of game play of a player for a gaming application, and streaming the video recording to the client device. The video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at a first point in the recorded game play. Selection of a jump point in the recorded game play is received from the client device. An instance of the gaming application is initiated based on the snapshot to initiate a jump game play. Input commands used to direct the game play and associated with the snapshot are accessed. Image frames are generated based on the input commands for rendering at the client device, the image frames replaying the game play to the jump point. Input commands from the client device are handled beginning from the jump point for the jump game play.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of thecommonly owned, provisional patent application, U.S. Ser. No.62/375,834, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCESSING PREVIOUSLY STOREDGAME PLAY VIA VIDEO RECORDING AS EXECUTED ON A GAME CLOUD SYSTEM,” withfiling date of Aug. 16, 2016, which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety. The present application claims priority to and thebenefit of the commonly owned, provisional patent application, U.S. Ser.No. 62/365,202, entitled “GAME PLAY COMPANION APPLICATION,” with filingdate of Jul. 21, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

This application is related to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/779,730, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORTAGGING CONTENT OF SHARED CLOUD EXECUTED MINI-GAMES AND TAG SHARINGCONTROLS,” filed on Feb. 27, 2013, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is relatedto commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/792,664, entitled “USER-BASED MINI-GAME GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION,”filed on Mar. 11, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. This application is related to commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,661, entitled “CLOUD-BASED GAME SLICEGENERATION AND FRICTIONLESS SOCIAL SHARING WITH INSTANT PLAY,” filed onMar. 12, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application is related to commonlyassigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,558,entitled “Systems and Methods for Managing Video Game Titles and UserPlay Metrics for Video Game Titles Executing on a Game Cloud System,”filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. This application is related to commonlyassigned, U.S. Publication Ser. No. 14/526,472, entitled “CLOUD-BASEDGAME SLICE GENERATION AND FRICTIONLESS SOCIAL SHARING WITH INSTANTPLAY,” filed on Oct. 28, 2014, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to video games. Among other things,this disclosure describes methods and systems for saving snapshotsgenerated at various points during game plays by multiple users of avideo game or gaming application, wherein the snapshots can be used byone user to jump into a previously saved game play of another user via avideo recording of the game play.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Cloud-based systems, using computing resources (hardware and software),deliver services over a network (e.g., the internet). The services, inthe context of gaming, enable streaming of content to remote clients,wherein most processing is done on servers, which may be distributed.Input provided at the remote clients will in turn drive execution of thevideo game, without the need for dedicated gaming hardware at theclient's location. Cloud-based gaming, therefore, has been increasing inpopularity because users find it easier to access more video game titleswithout complex hardware restrictions, and game suppliers find it easierto manage game code from centralized locations.

As a user is progressing through a game play of a video game that maypresent multiple options giving different results, it may be difficultto decide in which direction to steer the game play. For example, thougha user may want to avoid directions that do not provide any appreciableadvancement in the game play, without prior knowledge gained throughoutside sources the user cannot avoid a particular direction thatresults in a dead-end. In some cases, the user may exhaust all possibledirections that a video game may present in a certain portion of thegame before discovering the proper direction that gives a resultadvancing the game play. It may be desirable to avoid playing allpossible directions in a video game.

It is in this context that embodiments of the disclosure arise.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods forsaving snapshots generated at various points during game plays bymultiple users of a video game, generating a timeline that isdisplayable to a user during game play of the video game, and wherein asnapshot is used to jump to the game play by the same or another userbeginning at a point corresponding to the selected snapshot. Severalinventive embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

In one embodiment, a method for navigating through a gaming world isdisclosed. The method includes capturing a plurality of snapshotsgenerated from a plurality of instances of a video game executed inassociation with a plurality of users. The method further includesdisplaying a first timeline of a first user playing the video game,wherein the first timeline includes snapshot images of at least one userprogressing through the video game in relation to a currently renderedimage of a first instance of the video game executing in associationwith the first user. The method also includes displaying in a pluralityof first thumbnails a plurality of first snapshot images associated withthe first user in the first timeline, wherein the plurality of firstsnapshots comprises at least one rendered image showing past progress ofthe first user in comparison to the currently rendered image. The methodfurther includes displaying in a plurality of second thumbnails aplurality of second snapshots associated with a second user, wherein theplurality of second snapshots comprises at least one rendered imageshowing progress of the second user at a point in the video game afterthe currently rendered image.

In another embodiment, a method for navigating through a gaming world isdisclosed. The method includes executing a first instance of a videogame on a game cloud system in association with a first user playing thevideo game. The method includes capturing a plurality of first snapshotsof a first plurality of rendered images generated in association withexecution of the first instance of the video game, wherein each of thefirst snapshots is associated with a unique point of progress in thevideo game. The method further includes capturing a plurality of secondsnapshots of a second plurality of rendered images generated inassociation with execution of a second instance of the video game inassociation with a second user playing the video game. The methodfurther includes displaying a timeline showing progress of the firstuser and the second user playing the video game, the timeline displayedsimultaneously with a currently rendered image generated from executionof the first instance.

In still another embodiment, a game cloud system configured fornavigating through a gaming world is disclosed. The game cloud systemincludes a game server configured to manage a plurality of virtualgaming engines configured to execute a plurality of instances of a videogame in association with a plurality of users playing the video game,wherein the virtual gaming engines are configured to capture a pluralityof snapshots of rendered images generated from executing the pluralityof instances, wherein a corresponding snapshot enables execution of aninstance of the video game beginning from the corresponding snapshot.The game cloud system includes a snapshot datastore for storing theplurality of snapshots. The game cloud system includes a first virtualgaming engine configured to execute a first instance of the video gamein association with a first user, wherein the first virtual gamingengine is configured to generate a first timeline of the first userplaying the video game, wherein the first timeline includes a pluralityof first snapshot images including at least one rendered image showingpast progress of the first user in comparison to a currently renderedimage of the first instance, and a plurality of second snapshotsassociated with a second user, wherein the plurality of second snapshotsincludes at least one rendered image showing progress of the second userat a point in the video game after the currently rendered image.

In another embodiment, a method for navigating through a gaming world isdisclosed. The method includes executing a video game via a streaminggaming service, the video game being rendered on a display of a userdevice communicating through a network, the user device associated witha first user. The method includes generating a plurality of scenes ofthe video game for the display of the user device, the scenesprogressing through different paths of the video game. The methodincludes generating a timeline for display along with a currentlyrendered scene, wherein the timeline includes a plurality of firstthumbnails showing snapshot images associated with progression throughthe video game by the first user, wherein the timeline includes aplurality of second thumbnails showing snapshot images associated withfuture progression through the video game by a second user, whereinselection of a first thumbnail in the plurality of second thumbnailsenables jumping into a future state of the video game as rendered forthe second user.

In one embodiment, a method for gaming is disclosed. The method includesreceiving from a client device associated with a user selection of avideo recording of game play of a player for a gaming application. Themethod includes streaming the video recording to the client device,wherein the video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at afirst point in the game play of the player. The method includesreceiving from the client device selection of a jump point in therecorded game play, and initiating an instance of the gaming applicationbased on the snapshot, wherein the instance instantiates a jump gameplay. The method includes accessing a sequence of input commandsassociated with the snapshot and used to direct the game play. Themethod includes generating at the instance of the gaming application aplurality of image frames based on the sequence of input commands forrendering at the client device, wherein the plurality of image framesreplays the game play from the first point to the jump point. The methodincludes handling input commands from the client device at the instanceof the gaming application beginning from the jump point for the jumpgame play.

In one embodiment, a method for gaming is disclosed. The method includesdelivering over a network to a client device associated with a user avideo recording of game play of a player for a gaming application,wherein the video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at afirst point in the game play of the player. The method includesreceiving from the client device selection of a jump point in the gameplay. The method includes initiating an instance of the gamingapplication based on the snapshot, wherein the instance instantiates ajump game play. The method includes accessing a sequence of inputcommands used to direct the game play, wherein the sequence of inputcommands is associated with the snapshot. The method includes generatingat the instance of the gaming application a plurality of image framesbased on the sequence of input commands for rendering at the clientdevice. The plurality of image frames replays the game play of theplayer from the first point to the jump point. The method includeshandling input commands from the client device for the instance of saidgaming application in the jump game play beginning from the jump point.

Another method for gaming is disclosed. The method includes initiatingan instance of a gaming application based on an initiating snapshotcaptured at a first point in a game play of a player. The methodincludes accessing a sequence of input commands associated with thesnapshot and used to direct the game play. The method includesgenerating at the instance of the gaming application a plurality ofimage frames based on the sequence of input commands for rendering at aclient device of a user, wherein the plurality of image frames replaysthe game play from the point in the game play. The method includesreceiving an initiation request to begin a jump game from the clientdevice corresponding to a first image frame in the plurality of imageframes, wherein the first image frame corresponds to a jump point in thegame play. The method includes handling input commands from the clientdevice at the instance of the gaming application executing the jump gameplay beginning from the jump point.

In another embodiment, a game cloud system configured for gaming isdisclosed. The game cloud system includes a game server configured tomanage a plurality of virtual gaming engines configured to execute aplurality of instances of a gaming application in association with aplurality of users playing the gaming application, wherein the virtualgaming engines are configured to capture a plurality of snapshots ofrendered images generated from executing the plurality of instances, andto capture information related to each of the plurality of snapshots,wherein information related to a corresponding snapshot enablesexecution of an instance of the gaming application beginning from thecorresponding snapshot. The game cloud system includes a snapshotdatastore for storing the plurality of snapshots, and a user datastorefor storing the information. The game cloud system includes a virtualgaming engine that is configured to deliver over a network to a clientdevice associated with a user a video recording of game play of a playerfor a gaming application. The video recording is associated with asnapshot captured at a first point in the game play of the player. Thevirtual gaming engine is configured to receive from the client deviceselection of a jump point in the game play. The virtual gaming engine isconfigured to initiate an instance of the gaming application based onthe snapshot, wherein the instance instantiates a jump game play. Thevirtual gaming engine is configured to access a sequence of inputcommands used to direct the game play, wherein the input commands areassociated with the snapshot. The virtual gaming engine is configured togenerate at the instance of the gaming application a plurality of imageframes based on the sequence of input commands for rendering at theclient device. The image frames replays the game play from the firstpoint to the jump point. The virtual gaming engine is configured tohandle input commands from the client device at the instance of thegaming application executing the jump game play beginning from the jumppoint.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of thedisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system used for saving of snapshots generatedduring game plays of a video game of multiple users executed over acloud game network, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system diagram for enabling access and playing ofvideo games stored in a game cloud system (GCS), storing of snapshotsgenerated in association with game plays, previewing of stored gameplays via snapshots, navigation through a video game via snapshots, andjumping into stored game plays via snapshots, in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a timeline displayed during game play of avideo game by a user, wherein the timeline shows snapshot images of gameplay of the user, as well as snapshot images of game play of anotheruser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of one or more timelines displayed duringgame play of a video game by a user, wherein a timeline shows snapshotimages of game play of the video game of one or more users, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a timeline showing snapshot images of gameplay of a video game of at least one user, wherein selection of asnapshot enables an enlarged view of the snapshot image, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of one or timelines, each of which showsnapshot images of game play of a video game of at least one user,wherein selection of a snapshot enables an enlarged view of the snapshotimage, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a node graph of game play of a video game,wherein the node graph is displayed along with a timeline during gameplay of a video game by a user, wherein the timeline shows snapshotimages of game play of the user, as well as snapshot images of game playof another user, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a universal node graph or node treeshowing all possible paths available in a video game, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of a node graph showing the hierarchy ofnodes generated in association with snapshots captured during game playof a video game, wherein the node graph is displayed along with atimeline during game play of a video game by a user, wherein thetimeline shows snapshot images of game play of the user, as well assnapshot images of game play of another user, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a cluster of snapshot nodes closely andlinearly aligned with a selected snapshot node, wherein the snapshotnode can be selected through a timeline or node graph, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a cluster of snapshot nodes closely andnon-linearly aligned with a selected snapshot node, wherein the snapshotnode can be selected through a timeline or node graph, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C-6F are illustrations of snapshot images corresponding to acluster of snapshot nodes closely aligned with a selected snapshot node,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of snapshots captured during game play of avideo game, and the storing of each of those snapshots in one or moremaster files of a snapshot database, in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of multiple segments of the game play of auser of a video game, including an interceding jump by that user into aseparate jump game play based on a snapshot captured during another gameplay of the video game by the same or another user, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating steps in a method for navigatingthrough a gaming world, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Review note: Second case starts here

FIG. 10 illustrates components of a system used for game play access viaa video recording, which allows a user to jump into the stored game playof any player participating in a gaming application based on snapshotsgenerated and captured during the game play of the player by the system,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is flow diagram illustrating steps in a method for gaming, andmore particularly a method that allows a user to jump into the storedgame play of a player participating in a gaming application based on asnapshot generated and captured during the game play, wherein thesnapshot is selectable through a video recording of the stored gameplay, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is an illustration of a plurality of video frames in a videorecording of a stored game play of a player participating in a gamingapplication, wherein some video frames are associated with correspondingsnapshots, wherein selection of a video frame instantiates an instanceof a gaming application to execute a jump game play based on anassociated snapshot captured during game play of the player so that thejump game play is playable by the requesting user, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is an illustration of a timeline displayed during game play ofa gaming application by a user, wherein a timeline shows snapshot imagesof game play of the gaming application by a player, wherein selection ofa snapshot image in the timeline provides for the display of a videorecording of the game play corresponding roughly to a point in the gameplay associated with the snapshot image, and wherein selection of avideo frame in the video recording instantiates an instance of thegaming application to execute a jump game play based on a snapshotcaptured during game play of the player so that the jump game play isplayable by the user, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13A is an illustration of a plurality of input commands previouslyused to direct a stored game play of a player participating in a gamingapplication, wherein a portion of the input commands (e.g., a sequence)is used to implement a replay portion of the jump game play, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 13B is an illustration of an image frame corresponding to a jumppoint of a jump game play, wherein the jump game play is automaticallyexecuted to replay the game play of the player up to the jump pointusing saved input commands directing the game play, after which the jumpgame play becomes live by handling input commands from the requestinguser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a sequence of input commands presentedduring a jump game play that is instantiated based on a snapshotcaptured during game play of a player participating in a gamingapplication, wherein the sequence of input commands is automaticallyexecuted to replay the game play of the player up to a jump point afterwhich the jump game play becomes live by handling input commands fromthe requesting user, and wherein the requesting user can mimic thesequence of input commands to direct a ghost object that is presentedalong with the original and corresponding object in corresponding imageframes, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A-15E are illustrations of a ghost object mimicking the movementof a corresponding object, directed by saved input commands of a storedgame play, throughout a sequence of image frames during a jump game playthat is instantiated based on a snapshot captured during the stored gameplay associated with a player participating in a gaming application,wherein the saved input commands are automatically executed to replaythe game play up to a jump point after which the jump game play becomeslive by handling input commands of the requesting user, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of feature used to guide a player to a jumppoint in a jump game play that is instantiated based on a snapshotcaptured during the stored game play associated with a playerparticipating in a gaming application, in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is flow diagram illustrating steps in a method for gaming, andmore particularly a method that allows a user to jump into the storedgame play of a player participating in a gaming application based onsnapshots generated and captured during the game play, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating components of a head-mounted displayis shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a Game System, according to variousembodiments of the disclosure. Game System is configured to provide avideo stream to one or more Clients via a Network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following detailed description contains many specificdetails for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to thefollowing details are within the scope of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the aspects of the present disclosure described below areset forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposinglimitations upon, the claims that follow this description.

Generally speaking, the various embodiments of the present disclosuredescribe systems and methods providing for the saving of snapshots thatare generated during game plays of a video game of multiple users,navigating through a video game, previewing a video game, and jumping toa selected point in the video game to experience the game play ofanother user, particularly when executed on a cloud-based gaming system.The snapshots may be displayed in a timeline for a user playing thevideo game. A selected snapshot in the timeline contains metadata and/orinformation enabling the instantiation of an instance of the video gameat a jump point in the video game corresponding to the selectedsnapshot. The instance of the video game beginning at the jump point isexecuted in association with an original user generating the selectedsnapshot in a previously executed game play, even though the requestinguser may be different than the original user. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide for a way to load and execute an instance of a videogame of the same or another user that previously was unavailable. Inthat manner, the user is able to actively preview game plays of otherusers without jeopardizing his or her own game play. Also, the user isable to actively preview his or her own previous game play withoutjeopardizing his or her own current game play. It is in this contextthat embodiments of the disclosure arise.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide foradditional uses of a gaming application. For example, embodiments of thepresent disclosure provide for a user to jump into any part of a gamingapplication based on previous game plays of that gaming application. Forexample in some embodiments, through selection of a snapshot image(e.g., screenshot), corresponding snapshot information is accessed toenable the jump into that gaming application. Still other embodimentsprovide for a user to jump into any part of a gaming application basedon video recordings of previous game plays of that gaming application.For example, through selection of a video image (e.g., that maycorrespond to a snapshot image) from the video recording, correspondingsnapshot information associated with the video image (or the snapshotimage) is accessed to enable the jump into that gaming application. Inthat manner, the user is able to quickly play mini-sections of thegaming application for enjoyment, or to discover how to successfullynavigate through difficult sections of the gaming application. Access tothe mini-sections is accomplished without the user having to load thegaming application using an initial start-up sequence. Furthermore,older applications that have fallen out of favor will generate newinterest, as the user need not play the entire game to get to theinteresting sections (e.g., battling level bosses, or the ultimateboss), but can go directly to those interesting sections for immediategame play. Still other embodiments provide the above accomplishments,and provide additional benefits and advantages including betterutilization of game servers, since instead of executing aninitialization sequence from the beginning (e.g., when the user firstloads a gaming application from scratch), the game server need onlyexecute the gaming application beginning directly from a mid-point orjump-point. As such, by directly uploading the code necessary to beginthe game from the selected jump point, the game server skips theinitialization sequence, and also any further executable sequence tonavigate to the jump point in the gaming application.

With the above general understanding of the various embodiments, exampledetails of the embodiments will now be described with reference to thevarious drawings.

Throughout the specification, the reference to “video game” is meant torepresent any type of interactive application that is directed throughexecution of input commands. For illustration purposes only, aninteractive application includes applications for gaming, wordprocessing, video processing, video game processing, etc. Further, theterms video game and gaming application are interchangeable.

Snapshot Capture and Game Play Access

FIG. 1 illustrates a system used for saving of snapshots generatedduring game plays of a video game of multiple users executed over acloud game network, previewing game plays of a video game of one or moreusers, navigating through a video game, and jumping to a selected pointin the video game to experience the game play of the same or anotheruser, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the cloud game network may include a plurality ofvirtual machines (VMs) running on a hypervisor of a host machine, withone or more virtual machines configured to execute a game processormodule utilizing the hardware resources available to the hypervisor ofthe host.

As shown, system 10 includes a game server 205 executing the gameprocessor module 210 that provides access to a plurality of interactivevideo games. Game server 205 may be any type of server computing deviceavailable in the cloud, and may be configured as one or more virtualmachines executing on one or more hosts. For example, game server 205may manage a virtual machine supporting the game processor 210.

Client device 100 is configured for requesting access to video gamesover a network 150, such as the internet, and for rendering instances ofvideo games executed by the game server 205 and delivered to the displaydevice 12 associated with a user 5. For example, user 5 may beinteracting through client device 100 with an instance of a video gameexecuting on game processor 210. The client device 100 may receive inputfrom various types of input devices, such as game controllers 6, tabletcomputers 11, keyboards, and gestures captured by video cameras, mice,touch pads, etc. Client device 100 can be any type of computing devicehaving at least a memory and a processor module that is capable ofconnecting to the game server 205 over network 150. Some examples ofclient device 100 include a personal computer (PC), a game console, ahome theater device, a general purpose computer, mobile computingdevice, a tablet, a phone, or any other types of computing devices thatcan interact with the game server 205 to execute an instance of a videogame.

Client device 100 is configured for receiving rendered images deliveredby the game server 205, and for displaying the rendered images ondisplay 12. For example, the rendered images may be associated with aninstance of a video game executing on game executing engine 211 of gameserver 205 in association with user 5. In particular, client device 100is configured to interact with the instance of the video game associatedwith game play of user 5, such as through input commands that are usedto drive game play.

Further, client device 100 is configured to interact with the gameserver 205 to capture and store snapshots of the game play of user 5when playing a video game. In addition, client device 100 is configuredto interact with game server 205 to display a timeline includingsnapshots of the game play of user 5, as well as snapshots of saved gameplays of other users playing the same video game. Each snapshot enablesuser 5 to jump into a saved game play at a jump point in the video gamecorresponding to the selected snapshot, wherein the saved game play maybe associated with another user different than user 5, in oneembodiment.

More particularly, game processor 210 of game server 205 is configuredto generate snapshots of the game play of user 5 when playing the videogame. Other game processors of game server 205 associated with othervirtual machines are configured to execute instances of the video gameassociated with game plays of other users and to capture snapshotsduring those game plays. As previously introduced, an instance of thevideo game is executing on the game executing engine 211 in associationwith game play of the user 5.

Snapshot generator 212 is configured to capture a plurality of snapshotsgenerated from the game play of user 5. Each snapshot providesinformation that enables execution of an instance of the video gamebeginning from a point in the video game associated with a correspondingsnapshot. The snapshots are automatically generated during game play ofthe video game by user 5. Portions of each of the snapshots are storedin relevant databases independently configured or configured under datastore 140, in embodiments. In another embodiment, snapshots may begenerated manually through instruction by user 5. In that manner, anyuser through selection of a corresponding snapshot may jump into thegame play of user 5 at a point in the video game associated with thecorresponding snapshot. Game processor 210 is configured to accessinformation in database 140 in order to enable the jumping into a savedgame play of any user based on a corresponding snapshot. That is, therequesting user is able to begin playing the video game at a jump pointcorresponding to a selected snapshot using the game characters of theoriginal user's game play that generated and saved the snapshot.

In particular, each snapshot includes metadata and/or information toenable execution of an instance of the video game beginning at a pointin the video game corresponding to the snapshot. For example, in thegame play of user 5, a snapshot may be generated at a particular pointin the progression of the video game, such as in the middle of a level.The relevant snapshot information is stored in one or more databases ofdatabase 140. Pointers can be used to relate information in eachdatabase corresponding to a particular snapshot. In that manner, anotheruser wishing to experience the game play of user 5 may select a snapshotcorresponding to a point in the video game of interest.

The snapshot includes a snapshot image of the scene that is rendered atthat point. The snapshot image is stored in snapshot image database 146.The snapshot image presented in the form of a thumbnail in a timelineprovides a view into the game play of a user at a corresponding point inthe progression by the user through a video game.

The snapshot also includes game state data that defines the state of thegame at that point. For example, game state data may include gamecharacters, game objects, game object attributes, game attributes, gameobject state, graphic overlays, etc. In that manner, game state dataallows for the generation of the gaming environment that existed at thecorresponding point in the video game. Game state data may also includethe state of every device used for rendering the game play, such asstates of CPU, GPU, memory, register values, program counter value,programmable DMA state, buffered data for the DMA, audio chip state,CD-ROM state, etc. Game state data may also identify which parts of theexecutable code need to be loaded to execute the video game from thatpoint. Not all the game state data need be captured and stored, just thedata that is sufficient for the executable code to start the game at thepoint corresponding to the snapshot. The game state data is stored ingame state database 145.

The snapshot also includes user saved data. Generally, user saved dataincludes information that personalizes the video game for thecorresponding user. This includes information associated with the user'scharacter, so that the video game is rendered with a character that maybe unique to that user (e.g., shape, look, clothing, weaponry, etc.). Inthat manner, the user saved data enables generation of a character forthe game play of a corresponding user, wherein the character has a statethat corresponds to the point in the video game associated with thesnapshot. For example, user saved data may include the game difficultyselected by the user 5 when playing the game, game level, characterattributes, character location, number of lives left, the total possiblenumber of lives available, armor, trophy, time counter values, etc. Usersaved data may also include user profile data that identifies user 5,for example. User saved data is stored in database 141.

In addition, the snapshot also includes random seed data that isgenerated by artificial intelligence (AI) module 215. The random seeddata may not be part of the original game code, but may be added in anoverlay to make the gaming environment seem more realistic and/orengaging to the user. That is, random seed data provides additionalfeatures for the gaming environment that exists at the correspondingpoint in the game play of the user. For example, AI characters may berandomly generated and provided in the overlay. The AI characters arenot associated with any users playing the game, but are placed into thegaming environment to enhance the user's experience. As an illustration,these AI characters may randomly walk the streets in a city scene. Inaddition, other objects may be generated and presented in an overlay.For instance, clouds in the background and birds flying through spacemay be generated and presented in an overlay. The random seed data isstored in random seed database 143.

In that manner, another user wishing to experience the game play of user5 may select a snapshot corresponding to a point in the video game ofinterest. For example, selection of a snapshot image presented in atimeline or node in a node graph by a user enables the jump executingengine 216 of game processor 210 to access the corresponding snapshot,instantiate another instance of the video game based on the snapshot,and execute the video game beginning at a point in the video gamecorresponding to the snapshot. In that manner, the snapshot enables therequesting user to jump into the game play of user 5 at the pointcorresponding to the snapshot.

Game processor 210 includes a timeline generator 213 that is displayinga timeline of user 5 playing the video game. The timeline includessnapshot images of at least one user (e.g., user 5 and/or other users)progressing through the video game, wherein the snapshot images arepresented in relation to a currently rendered image of the instance ofthe video game executing in association with user 5. Each snapshot imagecorresponds to a particular snapshot that is captured at a particularpoint in the progression of the video game by user 5. For example,snapshots and snapshot images generated in association with the gameplay of user 5 correspond to points in the video game occurring before acurrently rendered image of an instance of the video game executing inassociation with the game play of user 5. That is, user 5 previouslyplayed through those points in the video game, and multiple snapshotsand snapshot images were generated corresponding to those points.

In addition, snapshots and their corresponding snapshot images generatedin association with the game play of a second user may correspond topoints in the video game occurring before or after a currently renderedimage of the game play of user 5. That is, the second user may haveprogressed further than user 5 when playing the video game. As such,snapshots corresponding to the game play of the second user may occur atpoints in the video game before the currently rendered image associatedwith the game play of user 5, or may occur at points after the currentlyrendered image. The timeline may include snapshot images correspondingto points in the video game occurring after the currently renderedimage, and/or may include snapshot images corresponding to points in thevideo game occurring before the currently rendered image.

Snapshots presented in the timeline may be used to access game plays ofother users by user 5, in one embodiment. That is, selection of aselected snapshot in the timeline enables user 5 to jump into the gameplay of another user at the point corresponding to the snapshot. Forexample, the jump game executing engine 216 collects the snapshot (e.g.,metadata and/or information) from the various databases (e.g., fromdatabase 140) in order to the begin executing the video game at thepoint corresponding to the selected snapshot. In one embodiment, thegame play of user 5 is unaffected by jumping to the game play of anotheruser.

In another embodiment, snapshots presented in the timeline may be usedby user 5 to access a point in the user's own game play that occursbefore the currently rendered image. For example, a snapshot may begenerated in the game play of user 5, and presented in the timeline.Selection of the snapshot by user 5 enables executing engine 216 tocollect the snapshot (e.g., metadata and/or information) from thevarious databases (e.g., from database 140) in order to begin executingthe video game at the previous point corresponding to the selectedsnapshot. In that manner, user 5 may go back and replay certain portionsof the video (e.g., a previous level). In one embodiment, the currentgame play of user 5 is unaffected by jumping to a previous game play ofthe same user.

Game processor 210 also includes a node graph generator 214. As user 5progresses through the video game, a path through the game is generated.Another user may generate a different path through the video game,especially if the video game is complex. The path may be part of theuniversal logical path established by the video game, wherein theuniversal logical path includes all paths that any user may take whenplaying the video game. As such, the path associated with the game playof user 5 may be a subset of the universal logical path, and defines theprogress of user 5 through the video game. Logical nodes may be definedat various points in the universal logical path. For instance, by way ofillustration nodes may be established at the start of game, start oflevel, end of game, end of level, forks allowing the user to selectbetween two or more optional paths, critical points in the video game,etc.

In addition, nodes may be defined at various points in the pathassociated with the game play of user 5, or more generally in a pathassociated with the game play of any user. For example, nodes may bedefined in association with a snapshot. These nodes may be defined atperiodic intervals (e.g., every minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). Inaddition, these nodes may be manually defined by the user. Forillustration, these nodes may also be established at the start of game,start of level, end of game, end of level, forks allowing the user toselect between two or more optional paths, critical points in the videogame, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system diagram 200 for enabling access and playingof video games stored in a game cloud system (GCS) 201, in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure. Generally speaking, game cloudsystem GCS 201 may be a cloud computing system operating over a network220 to support a plurality of users. Additionally, GCS 201 is configuredto save snapshots generated during game plays of a video game ofmultiple users, wherein a snapshot can be used to initiate an instanceof the video game for a requesting user beginning at a point in thevideo game corresponding to the snapshot. In addition, GCS 201 throughthe use of snapshots enables a user to navigate through a video game,and preview past and future scenes of a video game. Further, thesnapshots enable a requesting user to jump to a selected point in thevideo game through a corresponding snapshot to experience the game playof another user. In particular, system 200 includes GCS 201, one or moresocial media providers 240, and a user device 230, all of which areconnected via a network 220 (e.g., interna). One or more user devicesmay be connected to network 220 to access services provided by GCS 201and social media providers 240.

In one embodiment, game cloud system 201 includes a game server 205, avideo recorder 271, a tag processor 273, and account manager 274 thatincludes a user profile manager, a game selection engine 275, a gamesession manager 285, user access logic 280, a network interface 290, anda social media manager 295. GCS 201 may further include a plurality ofgaming storage systems, such as a game state store, random seed store,user saved data store, snapshot store, which may be stored generally indatastore 140. Other gaming storage systems may include a game codestore 261, a recorded game store 262, a tag data store 263, video gamedata store 264, and a game network user store 265. In one embodiment,GCS 201 is a system that can provide gaming applications, services,gaming related digital content, and interconnectivity among systems,applications, users, and social networks. GCS 201 may communicate withuser device 230 and social media providers 240 through social mediamanager 295 via network interface 290. Social media manager 295 may beconfigured to relate one or more friends. In one embodiment, each socialmedia provider 240 includes at least one social graph 245 that showsuser social network connections.

User U₀ is able to access services provided by GCS 201 via the gamesession manager 285, wherein user U₀ may be representative of user 5 ofFIG. 1. For example, account manager 274 enables authentication andaccess by user U₀ to GCS 201. Account manager 274 stores informationabout member users. For instance, a user profile for each member usermay be managed by account manager 274. In that manner, memberinformation can be used by the account manager 274 for authenticationpurposes. For example, account manager 2274 may be used to update andmanage user information related to a member user. Additionally, gametitles owned by a member user may be managed by account manager 274. Inthat manner, video games stored in data store 264 are made available toany member user who owns those video games.

In one embodiment, a user, e.g., user U₀, can access the servicesprovided by GCS 201 and social media providers 240 by way of user device230 through connections over network 220. User device 230 can includeany type of device having a processor and memory, wired or wireless,portable or not portable. In one embodiment, user device 230 can be inthe form of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or hybrids that providetouch screen capability in a portable form factor. One exemplary devicecan include a portable phone device that runs an operating system and isprovided with access to various applications (apps) that may be obtainedover network 220, and executed on the local portable device (e.g.,smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, etc.).

User device 230 includes a display 232 that acts as an interface foruser U₀ to send input commands 236 and display data and/or information235 received from GCS 201 and social media providers 240. Display 232can be configured as a touch-screen, or a display typically provided bya flat-panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or other device capableof rendering a display. Alternatively, the user device 230 can have itsdisplay 232 separate from the device, similar to a desktop computer or alaptop computer.

In one embodiment, user device 130 is configured to communicate with GCS201 to enable user U₀ to play a video game. For example, user U₀ mayselect (e.g., by game title, etc.) a video game that is available in thevideo game data store 264 via the game selection engine 275. In thatmanner, the selected video game is enabled and loaded for execution bygame server 205 on the GCS 201. In one embodiment, game play isprimarily executed in the GCS 201, such that user device 230 willreceive a stream of game video frames 235 from GCS 201, and user inputcommands 236 for driving the game play is transmitted back to the GCS201. The received video frames 235 from the streaming game play areshown in display 232 of user device 230.

In one embodiment, after user U₀ chooses an available game title toplay, a game session for the chosen game title may be initiated by theuser U₀ through game session manager 285. Game session manager 285 firstaccesses game state store in data store 140 to retrieve the saved gamestate of the last session played by the user U₀ (for the selected game),if any, so that the user U₀ can restart game play from a previous gameplay stop point. Once the resume or start point is identified, the gamesession manager 285 may inform game execution engine in game processor210 to execute the game code of the chosen game title from game codestore 261. After a game session is initiated, game session manager 285may pass the game video frames 235 (i.e., streaming video data), vianetwork interface 290 to a user device, e.g., user device 230.

During game play, game session manager 285 may communicate with gameprocessor 210, recording engine 271, and tag processor 273 to generateor save a recording (e.g., video) of the game play or game play session.In one embodiment, the video recording of the game play can include tagcontent entered or provided during game play, and other game relatedmetadata. Tag content may also be saved via snapshots. The videorecording of game play, along with any game metrics corresponding tothat game play, may be saved in recorded game store 262. Any tag contentmay be saved in tag data stored 263.

During game play, game session manager 285 may communicate with gameprocessor 204 to deliver and obtain user input commands 236 that areused to influence the outcome of a corresponding game play of a videogame. Input commands 236 entered by user U₀ may be transmitted from userdevice 230 to game session manager 285 of GCS 201. Input commands 236,including input commands used to drive game play, may include userinteractive input, such as including tag content (e.g., texts, images,video recording clips, etc.). Game input commands as well as any userplay metrics (how long the user plays the game, etc.) may be stored ingame network user store. Select information related to game play for avideo game may be used to enable multiple features that may be availableto the user.

Because game plays are executed on GCS 201 by multiple users,information generated and stored from those game plays enable anyrequesting user to experience the game play of other users, particularlywhen game plays are executed over GCS 201. In particular, GCS 201 isconfigured to save snapshots generated by the game play of users playingvideo games through GCS 201. In the case of user U₀, user deviceprovides an interface allowing user U₀ to engage with the video gameduring the game play. Snapshots of the game play by user U₀ is generatedand saved on GCS 201.

Also, user device 130 is configured to provide an interface allowinguser U₀ to preview the video game using the snapshots. For example, byviewing snapshot images of game plays or one or more users, user U₀ isable to preview one or more portions of the video game at any point inthe video game, as long as another user has already played through thatpoint and generated a snapshot. In addition, user device 130 isconfigured to provide an interface allowing user U₀ to navigate throughthe video game. For example, snapshots may be used to generate a nodegraph showing paths taken by one or more users progressing through thevideo game.

Further, user device 130 is configured to provide an interface thatenables the jumping to a selected point in the video game using asnapshot generated in the game play of user U₀ or another user. In thatmanner, user U₀ is able to experience the game play of any other user,or go back and review and/or replay his or her own game play. That is, arequesting user, via a snapshot of a corresponding game play, plays thevideo game using the characters used in and corresponding to that gameplay.

FIGS. 3-8 are described within the context of a user playing a videogame. In general, the video game may be any interactive game thatresponds to user input. For purposes of illustration only, the videogame described in relation to FIGS. 3-8 may be an adventure game,wherein the character encounters various obstacles and challenges whiletraveling through the world. The character may be traveling on foot, orthrough any mechanized means in the video game. In addition, thecharacter may encounter one or more challenges that could lead to delayswhen progressing through the video game from start to end.

Throughout the specification, the use of time in one or more timelinesof FIGS. 3-8 is meant to show progression through the video game, andnot necessarily a measure of how long the user plays the video game.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a timeline 310 a displayed during gameplay of a video game by a user, wherein the timeline shows snapshotimages of game play of the user, as well as snapshot images of game playof another user, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Further, the timeline 310 a is generated by timelinegenerator 213 of game processor 210 of game server 205 of the GCS 201,in one embodiment. Timeline 310 a can be used to quickly previewprevious game play by the user, as well as game play of one or moreother users.

Window 350 a and timeline 310 a are displayed while the game executingengine 211 of game processor 210 instantiates an instance of the videogame. For example, window 300 shows a rendered image 305 during the gameplay of a user for a particular video game. The rendered image isassociated with a current point in the progression of the user throughthe video game. As shown, in rendered image 305 the character 306representing the user in the game play is on a motorcycle. The character306 is riding on a road through mountainous terrain, but has encountereda rock fall 307. In the game play of the user, the character is chosento be male with short, spiky hair as shown in rendered image 305. Atthis point, the user may be frustrated with the progress through thevideo game, and may want to explore avenues to maneuver around the rockfall. For instance, the user may want to preview game plays of otherusers to explore solutions allowing the user to go past the rock fall,and to explore future experiences in the video game at points beyond thecurrent progression of the user as represented by the rendered image305. Exploration of these other game plays may be enabled through thetimeline 310 a, and more specifically through snapshot images, and theircorresponding snapshots, as displayed in timeline 310 a. As previouslyintroduced, a snapshot enables execution of an instance of acorresponding video game beginning from a point in the video gameassociated with the corresponding snapshot. In particular, furtherselection of a snapshot image presented in a timeline or node in a nodegraph by a user enables the jump executing engine 216 of game processor210 to access the corresponding snapshot, instantiate another instanceof the video game based on the snapshot, and execute the video gamebeginning at a point in the video game corresponding to the snapshot.

Timeline 310 a is displayed in window 350 a. In general, multipletimelines including snapshot images of one or more game plays of one ormore users may be displayed in window 350 a. As shown in FIG. 3A, window350 a may display a single timeline 310 a, wherein timeline 310 aincludes snapshot images of game play by the user, as well as snapshotimages of game play by another user. The snapshot images are presentedin thumbnails and/or windows and displayed in relation to the currentlyrendered image of the video game in the game play of the user. Forexample, snapshot images occurring before a point in the video gamerepresented by currently rendered image 305 may be displayed to the leftof blank thumbnail 340 c, and snapshot images occurring after the pointmay be displayed to the right of thumbnail 340 c. Window 350 a may alsodisplay additional timelines including snapshot images of one or moregame plays of a video game by one or more users, as will be furtherdescribed in relation to FIG. 3B. The timelines show progression throughthe video game, and not necessarily a measure of how long the user playsthe video game.

In particular, timeline 310 a includes snapshot images for the game playby the user. For example, a plurality of snapshot images (e.g., images340 a, 340 b, . . . ) corresponding to snapshots captured during thegame play by the user is displayed in timeline 310 a in thumbnailsand/or windows. Viewed together the snapshot images give a quick historyof the game play of the user. For instance, snapshot image 340 a showsthe character 306 jumping a motorcycle off a ramp or cliff. At thispoint in the game, the character 306 has 2 possible lives, as indicatedby the two circles in the upper left corner of snapshot image 340 a.Thereafter in the progression of the user through the video game,snapshot image 340 b shows the character 306 (still with two possiblelives) riding through the motorcycle through the forest, and isapproaching a mountain. The currently rendered image 305 shown in window300 shows that the character 306 has reached the mountain, and hasapproached the rock fall 307. At this point, character 306 has twopossible lives.

Because rendered image 305 is currently displayed, and represents theprogression of the user through the video game, only snapshot imagesrepresenting previous game play by the user are displayed. Thesesnapshot images typically represent points in the game that occur beforea point represented by the currently displayed rendered image 305. Forillustration purposes only, the total number of possible lives for acharacter gives a rough estimate of the progress through the video gamefor a user. However, some video games may allow for the user to progressback and forth, as the user plays the video game. In any case, onlysnapshot images corresponding to previously rendered images may bedisplayed in timeline 310 a for the user, in one embodiment. Thesesnapshot images are displayed in relation to the currently renderedimage 305 in timeline 310 a, which is represented by blank thumbnail 340c. For example, the snapshot images may be displayed to the left ofblank thumbnail 340 c. Further ordering may be achieved between twosnapshot images by displaying a first snapshot image captured at firstpoint in the video game to the left of a second snapshot image occurringat a second point that occurs after the first point in the generalprogression of a user through the video game. In another implementation,thumbnail 340 c may be populated with rendered image 305 to show currentprogress of the user in the timeline 310 a.

Snapshot images representing points in the video game occurring beforethe currently rendered image 305 may be displayed in a mannerdistinguishing them from snapshot images representing points in thevideo game occurring after the currently rendered image 305, i.e.,future points. In one embodiment, the snapshot images may be grayed out.That is, the snapshot images corresponding to points occurring beforethe currently rendered image 305 are displayed with a lower intensityand/or resolution than snapshot images corresponding to points occurringlater in progression through the video game. Other embodiments aresupported, such as showing the snapshot images with cross-hatching, orblurring the snapshot images, etc.

Further, timeline 310 a includes snapshot images for the game play byanother user. This other user may be a friend which is discoveredthrough social media manager 295, in one embodiment. The snapshot imagesmay also correspond to game play of random users, or users of highinterest, such as users with high scores in the video game. For purposesof illustration only, in the examples provided in relation to FIGS. 3-8,these other users are referred to as friends of the current user, suchas a first friend F1, a second friend F2 and a third friend F3. Thefirst friend F1 is playing a character 308 that is depicted as a womanwith long hair. Second friend F2 is playing a character 309 that isdepicted as a male with full head of hair. Third friend F3 is playing acharacter 303 that is depicted as a bald male.

In particular, timeline 310 a includes snapshot images for the game playby a second user (e.g., friend F1 playing a woman character 308). Forexample, a plurality of snapshot images (e.g., images 360 d, 360 e, 360f, . . . ) corresponding to snapshots captured during the game play bythe second user is displayed in timeline 310 a in thumbnails and/orwindows. These snapshot images are displayed in relation to thecurrently rendered image 305. For example, snapshot images 360 d, 360 e,and 360 f displayed to the right of blank thumbnail 340 c occur atpoints in the video game after the currently rendered image 305. Thoughnot shown in timeline 310 a, snapshot images occurring at a point in thevideo game around or before the currently rendered image (e.g., snapshotimages 360 a, 360 b, and 360 c) may also optionally be shown, and arefurther described in relation to timeline 310 b displayed in window 350b of FIG. 3B.

Viewed together the snapshot images give a quick history of the gameplay of the second user (e.g., friend F1) at points in the future thatoccur after the currently rendered image 305. For instance, snapshotimage 360 d shows the character 308 contemplating how to cross a river,and having three possible lives. Progressing further along in the videogame, the character 308, now with four possible lives, is battling abear in snapshot image 360 e. Progressing even further along in thevideo game, character 308, now with five possible lives, is showndriving a car through the desert in snapshot image 360 f.

In one embodiment, a timeline may be modified depending on theprogression by the user through the video game, and the availablesnapshot images. For example, snapshot images that occur too far in thepast (e.g., for the user or other users) in relation to the currentlyrendered image 305 may not be displayed, and snapshot images that occurtoo in the future (e.g., for the other users) may also may not bedisplayed. Further, as other users are changed and/or replaced,corresponding snapshot images are updated in the timeline.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of multiple timelines displayed during gameplay of a video game by a user, wherein a timeline shows snapshot imagesof game play of the video game of one or more users, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. The timelines are displayed inwindow 350 b. In one embodiment, window 350 b is displayed along withthe currently rendered image 305 in the game play of a user. Forexample, timelines 310 b, 320 and 330 are displayed in window 350 b, andare generated by timeline generator 213 of game processor 210 of gameserver 205 of the GCS 201, in one embodiment. The timelines can be usedto quickly preview previous game play by the user, as well as game playof one or more other users (e.g., friends, random users, users ofinterest, etc.).

As shown, timeline 310 b includes snapshot images (e.g., 340 a, 340 b, .. . ) of game play by the user, as previously discussed in relation toFIG. 3A. These snapshot images may be displayed in thumbnails as shownin FIG. 3B, and are arranged in relation to the currently rendered image305. For instance, these snapshot images are displayed to the left ofthe currently rendered image 305, and arranged generally with a firstsnapshot image located to the left of later occurring snapshot image, aspreviously described.

Further, timeline 310 b includes a plurality of snapshot images (360 a,360 b, 360 c, 360 d, 360 e, 360 f, . . . ) corresponding to snapshotscaptured during the game play by the second user (e.g., a first friendF1 playing woman character 308). These snapshot images are displayed intimeline 310 b in thumbnails, and are arranged in relation to thecurrently rendered image 305, as previously described. Moreparticularly, snapshot images, corresponding to game play by friend F1,occurring at a point in the video game around or before the currentlyrendered image (e.g., snapshot images 360 a, 360 b, and 360 c) may alsobe optionally included below the snapshot images (e.g., 340 a, 340 b, .. . ) of the user. Snapshot images (e.g., 360 a, 360 b, . . . )occurring at points in the video game progression before the currentlyrendered image may be arranged to the left of blank thumbnail 340 c. Asan indication of game progress, snapshot images 360 a-c show thecharacter having two possible lives. Snapshot image 360 c occursapproximately at the same point of progression through the video game ascurrently rendered image 305, and is located approximately below blankthumbnail 340 c. For example, both snapshot image 360 c and currentlyrendered image 305 show corresponding characters each having twopossible lives. Furthermore, snapshot images in timeline 310 b may bearranged generally such that a first snapshot image is located to theleft of a later occurring snapshot image, as previously described. Arrow399 may link the snapshot images associated with the second user, friendF1.

Viewed together, the snapshot images give a quick history of the gameplay of the first friend F1. For instance, the character 308 of friendF1 is first shown riding a motorcycle on a downtown city street insnapshot image 360 a. Thereafter in the progression of friend F1 throughthe video game, snapshot image 360 b shows the character 308 (having twopossible lives) riding through the motorcycle through the forest, and isapproaching a mountain. Progressing further along in the video game, thecharacter 308 is riding the motorcycle on a mountain road in snapshotimage 360 c. For example, the character 308 of friend F1 may havemaneuvered around the rock fall that the character 306 of the user iscurrently encountering in rendered image 305. Later, the character 308(having three possible lives) is shown approaching a river in snapshotimage 360 d. Progressing still further along, the character 308 (havingfour possible lives) is battling a bear in snapshot image 360 e, andthen later the character 308 (having five possible lives) is showndriving a car through the desert in snapshot image 360 f.

Window 350 b shows another timeline 320 that is associated with the gameplay of another user, such as a second friend F2. As shown, timeline 320includes snapshot images (370 a, 370 b, 370 c, 370 d, 370 e . . . ) ofgame play by friend F2. These snapshot images may be displayed inthumbnails, and are arranged in relation to the currently rendered image305, in one embodiment. For instance, snapshot images (e.g., 370 a, 370b, . . . ) occurring at points in the video game progression before thecurrently rendered image are arranged approximately to the left of blankthumbnail 340 c. These snapshot images may be readily identified bygraying out the displayed content, as previously described. Snapshotimage 370 c occurs approximately at the same point of progressionthrough the video game as currently rendered image 305, and is locatedapproximately below blank thumbnail 340 c. Snapshot images (e.g., 370 d,370 e, . . . ) occurring at points in the video game progression afterthe currently rendered image are arranged approximately to the right ofblank thumbnail 340 c. Furthermore, snapshot images in timeline 320 maybe arranged generally such that a first snapshot image is located to theleft of a later occurring snapshot image, as previously described.

Viewed together, the snapshot images give a quick history of the gameplay of the second friend F2. For instance, the character 309 (havingtwo possible lives) of friend F2 is first shown fording a river insnapshot image 370 a. Thereafter in the progression of friend F2 throughthe video game, snapshot image 370 b shows the character 309 traversingthrough a forest on foot, and approaching a range of taller mountains.Still progressing further along, the character 309 (having two possiblelives) is shown summiting a false mountain peak in snapshot image 370 c.Still later, the character 309 (having four possible lives) is shownfree climbing a face of a mountain in snapshot image 370 d, and thenlater is shown crossing a lake by boat in snapshot image 370 e.

Window 350 b shows another timeline 330 that is associated with the gameplay of another user, such as a third friend F3. As shown, timeline 330includes snapshot images (380 a, 380 b, 380 c, 380 d, 380 e, 380 f, . .. ) of game play by friend F3. These snapshot images may be displayed inthumbnails, and are arranged in relation to the currently rendered image305, in one embodiment. For instance, snapshot images (e.g., 380 a, 380b, . . . ) occurring at points in the video game progression before thecurrently rendered image are arranged approximately to the left of blankthumbnail 340 c. These snapshot images may be readily identified bygraying out the displayed content, as previously described. Snapshotimage 380 c occurs approximately at the same point of progressionthrough the video game as currently rendered image 305, and is locatedapproximately below blank thumbnail 340 c. Snapshot images (e.g., 380 d,380 e, 380 f, . . . ) occurring at points in the video game progressionafter the currently rendered image are arranged approximately to theright of blank thumbnail 340 c. Furthermore, snapshot images in timeline320 may be arranged generally such that a first snapshot image islocated to the left of a later occurring snapshot image, as previouslydescribed.

Viewed together, the snapshot images give a quick history of the gameplay of the third friend F3. For instance, the character 303 (having twopossible lives) of friend F3 is first riding a motorcycle through theforest in snapshot image 380 a. Thereafter in the progression of friendF3 through the video game, snapshot image 380 b shows the character 303(having two possible lives) fording a river. Still progressing furtheralong, the character 3039 (having three possible lives) is shownkayaking down a waterfall in snapshot image 380 c. Still later, thecharacter 303 is shown crossing a lake by motor boat in snapshot image380 d, and then in snapshot image 390 e the character 303 is showndocking boat. Even later in the progression, character 303 (having fivepossible lives) is shown flying an airplane to the next destination insnapshot image 380 f.

Though referred to as different timelines, all the timelines in windowmay be referred as one timeline belonging to the user playing the videogame. In addition, timelines associated with other users (e.g.,timelines 320, 330, and portions of 310) may be replaced with timelinesof new users, in one embodiment. In that manner, snapshot images ofrotating users may be shown to the user. In another embodiment, moretimelines may be shown, or a lesser number of timelines may be shown forclarity.

In still another embodiment, a timeline in windows 350 a or 350 b maydisplay snapshot images that are associated with a completely differentgame or content. For example, the timeline may be shown to entice theuser to preview and try another video game or to view other content.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of timeline 310 a presented in window 350 a,wherein timeline 310 a is first introduced in FIG. 3A, showing snapshotimages of game play of a video game of at least one user, whereinselection of a snapshot enables an enlarged view of the snapshot image,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Aspreviously described, window 300 shows the currently rendered image 305of the game play of the video game by a user. Timeline 310 a includessnapshot images (340 a, 340 b, . . . ) of game play by the user (playingcharacter 306) at points in the progression through the video gameoccurring before the currently rendered image 305. Timeline 310 alsoincludes snapshot images (360 d, 360 e, 360 f, . . . ) of game play byanother user (e.g., friend F1 playing character 308) at points in theprogression through the video game occurring after the currentlyrendered image 305.

More particularly, the snapshot images are presented in the timeline 310a via thumbnails. As such, depending on the size of the thumbnails, therendered images may be too small to show much detail. The user mayselect a snapshot for enlargement. For example, the user may roll cursor490 a over the thumbnail presenting snapshot image 360 e, in oneembodiment. Other methods are supported for selection of a snapshotimage for enlargement, such as touching the displayed snapshot image ona touchscreen. Window 410 is generated and displayed in approximatelythe same area of the selected thumbnail. Window 410 displays therendered snapshot image 360 e, wherein window 410 is of a sufficientsize to give the user a better view of snapshot image 360 e.

For purposes of clarity, a blow up of the snapshot image 360 e ispresented in box 420. However, in one embodiment, through furtherselection of window 410 and/or snapshot image 360 e, box 420 may bedisplayed as a window showing an even larger snapshot image 360 e thanthat presented in window 410. As previously described, snapshot image360 e is associated with the game play of another user (e.g., friend F1playing woman character 308), and shows the character 308 encountering abear. By scrolling through the snapshot images presented in timeline 310a and viewing the enlarged images, the user can preview the game play offriend F1. In that manner, further selection by the user of a selectedsnapshot image presented in timeline 310 a and/or a node in a node graph(described below) by a user enables the jump executing engine 216 ofgame processor 210 to access the corresponding snapshot, instantiateanother instance of the video game based on the snapshot, and executethe video game beginning at a point in the video game corresponding tothe snapshot. For example, the user may experience the game play ofanother user (e.g., friend F1), or go back and re-experience and/orreplay his or her own game play.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of one or timelines presented in window 350b, each of which show snapshot images of game play of a video game of atleast one user, wherein selection of a snapshot enables an enlarged viewof the snapshot image, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The timelines shown in FIG. 4B were previously described inrelation to FIG. 3B, and include timelines 310 b, 320 and 330. Inparticular, timeline 310 b includes snapshot images of game play by theuser playing character 306 at points in the progression through thevideo game occurring before the currently rendered image 305. Timeline310 b further includes snapshot images corresponding to snapshotscaptured during the game play by friend F1 playing character 308 atpoints in the progression through the video game occurring before,approximately concurrent, and after the currently rendered image 305.The snapshot images are presented in thumbnails, in one embodiment.Timeline 320 includes snapshot images (370 a, 370 b, 370 c, 370 d, 370 e. . . ) corresponding to snapshots captured during game play by friendF2 playing character 309 at points in the progression through the videogame occurring before, approximately concurrent, and after the currentlyrendered image 305. Timeline 330 includes snapshot images correspondingto snapshots captured during the game play by friend F3 playingcharacter 303 at points in the progression through the video gameoccurring before, approximately concurrent, and after the currentlyrendered image 305. As shown in FIG. 4B, interaction with snapshotimages for timeline 320 are further described, and as such snapshotimages in timelines 310 b and 330 are not labeled for ease ofunderstanding.

More particularly, the snapshot images are presented in the timelines310 b, 320 and 330 via thumbnails. As such, depending on the size of thethumbnails, the rendered images may be too small to show much detail.The user may select a snapshot in any of the timelines for enlargement.While FIG. 4A illustrates selection of a snapshot image in a timelineassociated with the user, FIG. 4B illustrates the selection of asnapshot image for enlargement in one of the timelines corresponding toa friend. For example, the user may roll cursor 490 b over the thumbnailpresenting snapshot image 370 d in timeline 320, in one embodiment.Other methods are supported for selection of a snapshot image forenlargement, such as touching the displayed snapshot image on atouchscreen. Enlarged window 460 is generated and displayed inapproximately the same area of the selected thumbnail. Window 460displays the rendered snapshot image 370 d, wherein window 460 is of asufficient size (e.g., larger than the corresponding thumbnail) to givethe user a better view of snapshot image 370 d.

For purposes of clarity and understanding, a blow up of the snapshotimage 370 d is presented in box 465. However, in one embodiment, throughfurther selection of window 460 and/or snapshot image 370 d, box 465 maybe displayed as a window showing an even larger snapshot image 370 dthan that presented in window 460. As previously described, snapshotimage 370 d is associated with the game play of friend F2, and shows thecharacter 309 free climbing up a sheer rock face. By scrolling throughthe snapshot images presented in timeline 320 and viewing the enlargedimages, the user can preview the game play of friend F2. In that manner,further selection by the user of a selected snapshot image presented intimeline 320 or node in a corresponding node graph (described below infurther detail) by a user enables the jump executing engine 216 of gameprocessor 210 to access the corresponding snapshot, instantiate anotherinstance of the video game based on the selected snapshot, and executethe video game beginning at a point in the video game corresponding tothe selected snapshot.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a node graph 530 of game play of a videogame, wherein the node graph is displayed along with a timelines 310 b320 and 330 in window 350 b, first introduced in FIG. 3B, during gameplay of a video game by a user. In particular, timeline 310 b showssnapshot images of game play of the user playing character 306 atpoints, as well as snapshot images of game play of another user (e.g.,friend F1 playing character 308), timeline 320 shows snapshot images ofgame play by friend F2 playing character 309, and timeline 330 showssnapshot images of game play by friend F3 playing character 303. Thesnapshot images in each of the timelines are presented in relation tothe currently rendered image 305 (e.g., as represented by blankthumbnail 340 c), as previously described. Window 300 also shows thecurrently rendered image 305 of the game play of the video game by auser.

As shown in FIG. 5A, snapshot image 360 e is selected (e.g., throughinteraction of a corresponding thumbnail) for enlargement in timeline310 b. Snapshot image 360 e is associated with the game play of friendF1 at a point in the game that occurs after (e.g., in the future) thecurrently rendered image 305. In particular, the user may roll cursor590 a over the thumbnail presenting snapshot image 360 e in timeline 310b, in one embodiment. Other methods are supported for selection of asnapshot image for enlargement, such as touching the displayed snapshotimage on a touchscreen. Window 410 shows the enlarged snapshot image 360e, as previously described.

Further, node graph 530 is presented in window 510. In one embodiment,node graph 530 includes a plurality of nodes that correspond to thevarious paths a character may choose as the user progresses through thevideo game. In one embodiment, node graph 530 may be presented in window510 as a universal graph showing all the nodes of the video game, aswill be further described in FIG. 5B. In one embodiment, node graph 530may be presented to include a subset of nodes of the universal graph,which shows nodes of particular interest, as will be further describedin relation to FIG. 5C. For example, the subset of nodes may correspondto snapshot images displayed in one or more timelines.

Though window 510 is shown in the bottom right corner, it is understoodthat window 510 may be located anywhere in window 300. Further, window510 may be of a sufficient size to provide information suitable forviewing. Further selection may display window 510 as an enlarged windowwithin window 300, or on a full screen.

As shown, node 572 in node graph 530 may be automatically highlighted(e.g., bolded, enlarged, colored, etc.) in response to the userselecting snapshot image 360 e in timeline 310 a for enlargement. Node572 corresponds approximately to the location of the snapshot image 360e, and gives context within the universe of the video game for snapshotimage 360 e. That is, because the user is interested in snapshot image360 e, through selection of the snapshot image 360 e in timeline 310 b,window 410 is presented showing a larger view of snapshot image 360 e,and node 572 is highlighted in node graph 530. Node 572 may also behighlighted through manual selection of the node in node graph 530 bythe user.

In summary, node graph 530 may be presented in window 510 automaticallyor in response to a user request, wherein the node graph 530 includes asubset of nodes that correspond to the snapshot images presented intimeline 310 a. Further, node 572 may be presented and highlighted,wherein node 572 shows the approximate location of a point in the gameplay of a video game corresponding to snapshot image 360 e. In addition,the snapshot image 360 e corresponding to node 372 may be presented inwindow 520, wherein window 520 is larger than window 410, and may showan even larger view of snapshot image 360 e.

In that manner, the user is presented with a multi-dimensional view ofthe video game. For example, the user is presented with a current viewof his or her own game play via rendered image 305. The game play of theuser (e.g., through rendered image 305 and snapshot images in a usertimeline) is also presented alongside one or more timelines of one ormore users showing a quick preview of the game play of other usersthroughout various points of progression in the video game. The snapshotimages may be presented with a node graph showing paths through thevideo game associated with snapshot images in timelines, or all possiblepaths in the video game.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a universal node graph 550 or node treeshowing all possible paths available in a video game, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. The universal node graph 550may be displayed in window 510 of FIG. 5A. For example, the video gamemay include a start point as indicated by node 551, and an end point asindicated by node 552. Though one end point is shown, generally auniversal node graph may have one or more end points, representing oneor more options for finishing a video game. Further, a video game mayhave one or more start points that are represented in a correspondinguniversal node graph.

Universal node graph 550 includes a plurality of nodes (e.g., logicalnodes) that define the various logical paths (also referred to as“paths” in the specification) a character may choose as the userprogresses through the video game. For example, logical path 511 isdefined between nodes 502 and 503. In addition, the universal node graph550 may also include a subset of nodes. For example, node graph 530,which is a subset of universal node graph 550, includes nodes and pathswhich correspond to snapshot images displayed in timeline 310 b of FIG.5B. Node graph 530 is also shown in window 510 of FIG. 5A.

Multiple logical paths may be configured to progress through universalgraph 550 from node to node in a linear fashion. For example, the usermoves in a linear fashion through node graph 530 between nodes 501 to503 (e.g., from node 510 to node 502 and then to node 503) along logicalpaths 514 and 511. That is, no other logical paths can be taken whentraversing between nodes 501 and node 503.

In addition, multiple logical paths may be configured to progress fromnode to node in a non-linear fashion. For example, the user moves in anon-linear fashion through node graph 550 when reaching node 503 alonglogical path 511. In particular, two options are available at node 503,wherein in a first option a character may take path 512, and in a secondoption the character may take path 513. Different outcomes may resultfrom taking the two different paths.

Progression through the video game may generally be defined by auniversal time line 529 that begins at a time or mark 521 associatedwith start point 551, and ends at a time or mark 522 associated with endpoint 552. The use of time in the timeline 529 is meant to showprogression through the video game, and not necessarily a measure of howlong the user plays the video game. As the user moves from node to nodethrough universal node graph 530, a representative time or mark may belocated on timeline 529. For example, node 501 may be represented asmark 523 and node 503 may be represented as mark 524 in timeline 529.Progress may be measured along timeline 529 from left to right. As anillustration, node 501 occurs before node 503 in the progression throughthe video game. As such, mark 523 representing node 501 is displayed tothe left of mark 524 representing node 503. Further, progression may befurther illustrated in association with timeline 529 and node graph 550through various character values associated with the user, as previouslydescribed. For example, progress may be measured by how many possiblelives are available to a character, or how many points or cash thecharacter has accumulated.

FIG. 5C is an expanded illustration of a node graph 530, firstintroduced in FIG. 5A, showing the hierarchy of snapshot nodes generatedin association with snapshots captured during game play of a video game,in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In oneembodiment, node graph 530 is displayed along with one or more timelines(e.g., timelines 310 b, 320, and 330) during game play of a video gameby a user. For example, node graph 530 may be displayed in window 510 ofFIG. 5A, or may be displayed in an even larger window. An expanded viewof node graph 530 displayed in window 510 is shown in FIG. 5C forillustration. An outline of window 350 b is presented in FIG. 5C forreferencing snapshot images and corresponding snapshot nodes in nodegraph 530.

In particular, snapshot nodes correspond to points in game play of avideo game where a snapshot has been captured. In general, snapshots maybe captured at the nodes of the universal node graph 550. As such,snapshot nodes may align with nodes in universal node graph 550.However, some snapshot nodes may not align with nodes in a universalgraph 550, such as when a snapshot has been captured between two nodesof the universal graph (e.g., in the middle of a logical path). Forexample, snapshot node 561 may be captured between two nodes(corresponding to nodes 560 and 562) in the universal node graph 550.

Node graph 530 includes a plurality of snapshot nodes that define thevarious actual paths that a character has taken during the game play ofa corresponding user. For example, path 579 is defined between snapshotnodes 560 and 561. Path 579 is shown to have been taken in the game playof the user, as well as the game play of friend F1. Node graph 530 mayshow one or both of linear and non-linear paths, as defined in the gameplays of one or more users.

Node graph 530 corresponds to snapshot images shown in timelines 310 b,320 and 330 displayed in window 350, in one embodiment. For example,snapshot node 562 corresponds to box 340 c representing the currentlyrendered image 305 of the user, snapshot node 507 corresponds tosnapshot image 360 e of friend F1, snapshot node 595 corresponds tosnapshot image 370 a of friend F2, and snapshot node 565 corresponds tosnapshot image 380 d of friend F3. In that manner, the user is presentedwith at least two or more views of the video game that are related, suchas snapshot images and the currently rendered image in the timelines andthe snapshot nodes in node graph 530. By cross referencing the currentlyrendered image 305 (along with its position in node graph 530) withother snapshot images (and their positions in node graph 530), the useris able to understand which paths are available to the user around apoint in the video game associated with the currently rendered image. Assuch, the user is able to orient the character 306 within the universalnode graph 550 and node graph 530 of the video game. In that manner, theuser is able to navigate from one point to another point in the game. Inone embodiment, though snapshot nodes are shown in FIG. 5C, node graph530 may include nodes defining logical paths as defined by universalnode graph 550.

More particularly, the paths taken by the user playing character 306 areshown by the line A that is dotted with fine resolution. For instance,the user has traveled between snapshot nodes 560, 561 and 562. Fromsnapshot node 562, the character 306 of the user has taken a first routetraveling up from snapshot node 562 through snapshot nodes 563 and 564,and a second route traveling downwards from snapshot node 562 throughsnapshot nodes 565 to 569 (e.g., from node 565 to node 566 to node 567to node 568 and to node 569). The paths taken by the character 308 offriend F1 is shown by solid line B. For instance, character 308 offriend F1 has traveled along paths defined by snapshot nodes 560, 561,562, 565, 570, 571, 572, 573, and 574. Also, the paths taken by thecharacter 308 of friend F2 is shown by line C that this dotted withcoarse resolution. For instance, character 308 of friend F2 has traveledalong paths defined by snapshot nodes 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, and 569.The paths taken by the character 303 of friend F3 is shown by line D,and shows that character 303 has traveled along paths defined bysnapshot nodes 560, 581, 582, 583, 565, 584, 585, and 568.

In the progression of the video game, the user has taken paths thatoccur beyond or in the future of snapshot node 562, which corresponds toa point in the video game associated with the currently rendered image305, but has returned back to snapshot node 562. For example, the firstroute taken beyond snapshot node 562 and ending at snapshot node 564 mayhave reached a dead end. Also, the second route taken beyond snapshotnode 562 and ending at node 569 may be unsatisfactory to the user.Snapshot images corresponding to snapshot nodes occurring beyond thecurrently rendered image 305 associated with the user are not shown intimeline 310 b, but may be shown in other embodiments.

The user has returned to node 562 in the game progression because theuser may have heard rumors about an exciting part (encountering a bear)of the video game in this area, but has so far missed out on the action.The user believes that the exciting part is somehow reached through node562. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a way for the user todiscover alternative paths through the video game by previewing gameplays of other users, and laying out a potential route to take in thevideo game to reach an exciting part of the video game. For example, theuser may preview the snapshot images of friend F1 playing character 308in timeline 310 b, and discover that the bear encounter occurs inassociation with snapshot node 507, which corresponds to snapshot image360 e. For reference, snapshot image 360 e is shown in box 509. Withoutthe introduction of snapshot images presented in timelines, and/or thenode graphs, the user would have a hard time previewing and/ordiscovering these areas of interest.

In particular, the user may have discovered snapshot image 360 e throughviewing snapshot images in timeline 310 b, or may have discovered itthrough exploring the node graph 530. For example, tags 507 are shownnext to snapshot node 572 in node graph 530 of FIG. 5C, which may havecaught the attention of the user. By interacting with node 572 in nodegraph 530, a view of snapshot image 360 e may be presented to the user,such as in window 520 of FIG. 5A. Also, by selecting snapshot node 572in node graph 530, the corresponding snapshot image 360 e in timeline310 b may be highlighted (e.g., bolded) for attention. In that manner,the user may roll over the corresponding thumbnail to view an enlargedversion of snapshot image 360 e. As previously described. In anotherimplementation, if the node graph 530 is presented in its own dominantwindow (e.g., full screen, or overlaid window 300), interaction withsnapshot node 572 may bring up snapshot image 360 e in another window(not shown).

After previewing game play of friend F1 and node graph 530, the user maywish to further explore the video game corresponding to snapshot image360 e, and more particularly the game play of friend F1. As previouslydescribed, embodiments of the present disclosure enable the user to jumpinto the game play of friend F1. In particular, further selection by theuser of a snapshot image 360 e via timeline 310 b or node graph 53enables the jump executing engine 216 of game processor 210 to accessthe snapshot corresponding to snapshot image 360 e, instantiate anotherinstance of the video game based on the snapshot, and execute the videogame beginning at a point (now identified as a jump point) in the videogame corresponding to the snapshot and its snapshot image 360 e. In thatmanner, the user may fully experience the video game at node 507(encountering the bear) through the game play of friend F1. That is, theuser jumps into the character 308 of friend F1 at jump node 572 andplays an instantiation of the game play of friend F1 beginning at thepoint of the video game corresponding to jump node 572 (whichcorresponds to snapshot image 360 e). As such, the user is able to jumpinto the game play at the most exciting part.

The user may decide to try to navigate to the same snapshot node 572(bear encounter) previously captured by the game play of friend F1 afterexperiencing the game play of friend F1. Node graph 530 provides a viewinto the route taken by friend F1 in order to reach snapshot node 572from the current position of the user, which is node 562 that isassociated with the currently rendered image 305. For example, nodegraph shows that travel between nodes 562 and snapshot node 572 ispossible via snapshot nodes 565 and 570.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a cluster of snapshot nodes closely andlinearly aligned with a selected snapshot node (e.g., the snapshot node572 associated with snapshot image 360 e), wherein the snapshot node canbe selected through a timeline 310 a or node graph 530, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, timeline310 a includes snapshot images (340 a, 340 b, . . . ) of game play bythe user at points in the progression through the video game occurringbefore the currently rendered image 305 (as represented by blankthumbnail 340 c. Timeline 310 a further includes snapshot images (360 d,360 e, 360 f, . . . ) corresponding to snapshots captured during thegame play by friend F1, as previously described. Further, each of thesnapshot images correspond to a snapshot node, such as those presentedin node graph 530.

Timeline 310 a may show selected snapshot images from the plurality ofsnapshots captured during the game play of the user and friend F1. Thesnapshots and snapshot images for friend F1 are used to illustrate thepresentation of snapshot images with coarse and with higher resolution.For purposes of illustration, during the game play of friend F1one-hundred snapshots are captured, and can be numbered 1 through 100 inthe order that they were captured. The timeline 310 a may not haveenough room to show all the snapshots images corresponding to thecaptured snapshots. As such, only a subset of snapshot images arepresented in timeline 310. Further, snapshot images presentedside-by-side in timeline 310 a may not be consecutively and/orsequentially captured. For instance, as shown in timeline 310 a of FIG.6A, snapshot image 360 e is numbered 50 in the captured order, and thesnapshot image directly to the right is snapshot image 360 f, which isnumbered 60. As such, nine snapshot images were captured betweensnapshot image 360 e and snapshot image 360 f, but are not shown intimeline 310 a.

In one embodiment, a finer resolution of snapshot images may begenerated and presented for display based on captured snapshots. Inparticular, further selection of a snapshot image, such as image 360 e,either through the timeline 310 a or through node graph 530 will enablethe presentation of snapshot images with higher resolution. Further, inone embodiment, the snapshot images are presented in a node graph/treeconfiguration showing the paths that the user (e.g., friend F1) tookduring the game play. That is each snapshot image represents a node, andthe snapshot images are presented in node graph configuration. Forexample, a window may display snapshot nodes via their correspondingimages, wherein the snapshot nodes are captured sequentially beforeand/or after the snapshot corresponding to the selected snapshot image360 e. Snapshot image 360 e corresponds to the jump point selected bythe user to initiate the game play of friend F1, as previouslydescribed. Before or after being selected as a jump point, the user maywant to see various snapshot images associated with snapshot image 360e.

As shown in FIG. 6A, a linear progression of snapshot images arepresented in various thumbnails in relation to the selected snapshotimage 360 e. The snapshot image 360 e and its corresponding snapshot arealso referenced as the jump point (JP), as previously described. Theselected snapshot image 360 e and JP is associated with the snapshotnumbered 50 in the order of captured snapshots. FIG. 6A shows that foursnapshot images 610, 360 e, 615, and 620 are shown and correspond to onesnapshot captured before JP (snapshot JP-1), JP, and two snapshotscaptured after JP (snapshot JP+1 and JP+2). That is, the snapshot imagescorrespond to consecutively numbered snapshots 49-52. For example,snapshot image 610 (JP−1), snapshot image 360 e (JP), snapshot image 615(JP+1), and snapshot image 620 (JP+2) are consecutively ordered 49-52.In that manner, the user is able to view at a higher resolution theaction in the game play of friend F1 around snapshot image 360 e in anode graph configuration.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a cluster of snapshot nodes closely andnon-linearly aligned with a selected snapshot node (e.g., snapshot node572 corresponding to snapshot image 360 e), wherein the snapshot nodecan be selected through a timeline 310 a or node graph 530 as previouslyintroduced in relation to FIG. 6A, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. While FIG. 6A shows a linear progression throughthe video game around the jump point JP corresponding to snapshot image360 e, FIG. 6B illustrates a non-linear progression through the videogame around JP.

For example, the snapshot images are presented in a node graph/treeconfiguration showing the paths that friend F1 took during game play.That is each snapshot image represents a node, and the snapshot imagesare presented in node graph configuration. As shown in FIG. 6B, anon-linear progression of snapshot images are presented in variousthumbnails in relation to the selected snapshot image 360 e, alsoreferred to as JP with an order number of 50. Eight snapshot images areshown. In particular, snapshot image 605 corresponds to the snapshotnode JP-2 with order 48. Also, snapshot image 610 corresponds tosnapshot node JP-1 with order 49, wherein snapshot node JP-1 is adecision node showing a non-linear configuration. Two choices areavailable, as represented by order numbers 50A-B. One choice stemmingfrom snapshot node JP-1 goes to snapshot image 613 with order 50B. Theother choice stemming from snapshot node JP-1 routes to snapshot nodeJP, which corresponds to snapshot image 360 e and order number 50A. Thisroute continues through consecutively numbered snapshot JP+1 (related tosnapshot image 615 and order number 51) and snapshot JP+2 (related tosnapshot image 620 and order number 52).

FIG. 6C-F are illustrations of snapshot images corresponding to acluster of snapshot nodes closely aligned with a selected snapshot nodeand described in relation to FIGS. 6A-B, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 6C illustratessnapshot image 610 and shows the character 308 used in the game play offriend F1 first encountering the bear as it exits its cave. Snapshotimage 610 corresponds to a snapshot node JP-1 with order number 49. FIG.6D illustrates snapshot image 360 e (related to snapshot node JP andorder number 50) and shows the character 308 engaging in close contactwith the bear. The character 308 is shown handling a coiled rope that ispresumably the only tool and/or weapon available to character 308. FIG.6E illustrates snapshot image 615 (related to snapshot node JP+1 andorder number 51) and shows that the character 308 has subdued the bearby tying each of the legs of the bear to a tree using the rope. FIG. 6Fillustrates snapshot image 620 (related to snapshot node JP+2 and ordernumber 52) and shows the character 308 enjoying the fruits of hervictory over the bear: a weapon and other reward items (e.g., coins,precious stones, etc.) are available for the taking.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of snapshots captured during game play of avideo game, and the storing of each of those snapshots as a separatemaster file of a data store 750, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. These master files are not automatically erasedor overwritten as the user progresses through the video game, as istypical in the industry. In that manner, information and metadatarelated to each snapshot can be readily accessed at any time in order topresent snapshot images (e.g., in timelines), node graphs, and to enablejumping to a jump point in the game play of the same or other user.

For example, a plurality of snapshots is captured in relation to gameplay of a particular user. The snapshots are numbered consecutively inthe order of capture (i.e., 1-N). As shown in FIG. 7, at least snapshot711 (order 20), snapshot 712 (order 31), snapshot 713 (order 32), andsnapshot 714 (order 33) are captured.

Each snapshot includes information and/or metadata sufficient to loadand execute an instance of the video game beginning at a point in thevideo game corresponding to the snapshot. For example, each snapshotincludes at least game state data stored in database 145, snapshot imagedata stored in database 146, random seed data stored in database 143,and user saved data stored in database 141, as previously described. Inone embodiment, metadata includes input commands used to drive aninstance of the video game at and between two consecutively orderedsnapshots. Each snapshot is stored in a corresponding master file indata store 750, wherein the master file corresponding to a particularsnapshot may include pointers to each of these databases for relatedaccess. As shown, snapshot 711 is stored in master file 751, snapshot712 is stored in master file 752, snapshot 713 is stored in master file753, and snapshot 714 is stored in master file 754.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of multiple segments of the game play of auser of a video game, including an interceding jump by that user into aseparate jump game play based on a snapshot captured during another gameplay of the video game by the same or another user, in accordance withone embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the user playinga game with character 306 of which the currently rendered image 305 isdisplayed on window 300 as previously described in relation to FIGS. 3-6may elect to jump into the game play of friend F1 (with character 308)at a jump point (JP) defined by snapshot image 360 e. Timeline 310 aand/or 310 b provides the user a preview of snapshot image 360 e.Further, node graph 530 gives context to the snapshot image within thevideo game, since the snapshot image 360 e can be associated with itscorresponding location at snapshot node 572 (e.g., through highlighting,etc.), as previously described. Initiation by the user of the jump intothe game play of friend F1 and character 308 is enabled based on thesnapshot captured at snapshot node 572 during the original game play offriend F1. The initiation of the jump may be enabled through furtherselection of the snapshot image 360 e in timeline 310 a or 310 b, orthrough selection of node 572 in node graph 530. Support for initiationof the jump into the game play of the same or another user may beaccomplished through any means or methods (e.g., jump selection window,etc.).

In one embodiment, a plurality of snapshots is captured in the jump gameplay. Further, a video recording of the jump game play may be capturedand stored for later access. In that manner, any user may play the jumpgame play via any snapshot in the jump game play. In one embodiment,snapshot images of the jump game play are placed into a timeline,through which the jump game play may be instantiated, as previouslydescribed.

The interaction of the user with the video game may be described inrelation to segments of game play 830 of the user. As shown, the gameplay 830 of the user includes a first segment 831 and a second segment832. In particular, the first segment 831 of game play 830 of the userdefines a current or initial interaction of the user with the videogame. As such, the currently rendered image 305 of FIG. 3A may beassociated with the first segment 831. For illustration, snapshot nodegraph 810 shows a portion of the node graph 530 previously described inrelation to FIG. 5C. The route taken by a character 306 in the firstsegment 831 of the game play 830 of the user is shown by dotted line 811and includes snapshot nodes 560, 561 and 562. Currently rendered image305 is associated with snapshot node 562 and indicates the end of thefirst segment 831 for purposes of illustration and clarity, even thoughsnapshot node graph 810 shows that character 306 has gone further to theright (e.g., progressed further) of snapshot node 562 to nodes 563 and564 via one path 812, and to nodes 565 and 566 via a second path 813.This portion of the route (ending with snapshot node 562) taken bycharacter 306 is also repeated in node graph 820, which illustrates thegame play of the user using character 306 up to the end of the firstsegment 831.

At snapshot node 562, the user may choose to explore other points in thevideo game and elect to jump into the game play of friend F1 (e.g.,further selection of snapshot image 360 e), as previously described. Thegame play of friend F1 is shown by the bolded, solid line 899 ofsnapshot node graph 810. At this point, the first segment 831 of thegame play 830 of the user is paused, and the user jumps into the gameplay of friend F1 at a point corresponding to snapshot node 572. Forillustration, the jump game play begins at a point where the characteris closely engaged with a bear. In particular, the instance of the videogame executing the game play 830 of the user is paused (e.g., end offirst segment 831), and the instance of the video game executing thejump game play of friend F1 beginning at the jump point (snapshot node572) is instantiated based on the corresponding snapshot captured atsnapshot node 572. A representation of the jump to node 572 isillustrated by curved arrow 891. The jump game play is defined by jumpsegment 840.

In another embodiment, the game play 830 of the user is saved andterminated at the end of the first segment 831 before beginning the jumpgame play. In that manner, the user may return to the video game in thefuture and resume from a point corresponding to snapshot node 562 (e.g.,end of first segment 831). That is, the user may effectively resume thepaused game.

In one embodiment, the instance of the video game executing the gameplay 830 of the user is separate from the instance of the video gameexecuting the jump game play through which the user interacts, whereinthe jump game play is based on the original game play of friend F1. Forillustration, snapshot node graph 850 shows the route taken by acharacter 308 in the jump segment 840 of the jump game play played bythe user, wherein the character 308 in the jump game play was originallycreated and defined by the game play of friend F1. The route taken inthe jump game play is illustrated through bolded and dotted line 896.

The route taken by the character 308 in the jump game play asillustrated in node graph 850 begins at snapshot node 572 and continuesto nodes 851, 852, and end node 859 consecutively. End node 859indicates the termination of the instance of the video game executingthe jump game play. It is important to note that the route taken by thecharacter 308 in the jump game play (including nodes 572, 851, 852, and859) as shown by dotted line 896 is different than the route 897(including nodes 572, 573, and 574) taken by the character 308 in thegame play of friend F1 shown in node graph 810. That is, the jump gameplay as executed by the user is different than the previously storedgame play of friend F1 because the user is providing new input commandsto direct the jump game play. For example, in the jump game play anunsuccessful encounter with the bear may occur because the user may bequickly previewing the game at this point to decide whether or not toplay this part of the video game in his or her own game play 830. On theother hand, the game play of the find F1 may show a successful encounterwith the bear.

In one embodiment, during the jump game play, snapshots may be capturedat each of the nodes illustrated in jump segment 840 (e.g., nodes 572,851, 852, and 859). The jump game play and its associated snapshots maybe stored for later access. For example, the user may wish to review andinstantiate jump game plays created by the user and associated with thevideo game. In other embodiments, the user may wish to review andinstantiate jump game plays associated with other video games, whereinthe jump game plays were created by the user or other users.

After execution of the jump game play, the game play 830 of the user maybe resumed. The user has now previewed the game play of the friend F1,and may wish to have his or her own character 306 reach snapshot node572 that is associated with the jump point. In that manner, the gameplay 830 of the user may include a route that is directed towards thejump point so that the character in the game play of the user will havethe same bear encounter.

Snapshot node graph 820 shows the route taken by a character in the gameplay 830 of the user that is now resumed. The resumption of game play830 is defined by second segment 832, wherein the resumed game play isdefined by bolded and dotted line 809. As such, the entirety of the gameplay 830 by user is illustrated by the first segment 8310 (dotted line811) and the second segment 832 (bold and dotted line 809). In oneembodiment, the second segment 832 of game play 830 continues theinstance of the video game that is paused. In another embodiment, thesecond segment 832 of game play 830 is executed on a new instance of thevideo game beginning at the point of the video game associated withsnapshot 562, because the first segment 831 was terminated. The secondsegment 832 begins at snapshot node 562, and continues to snapshot nodes821, 822, 823, 824, and 829 consecutively.

In node graph 820, snapshot node 823 roughly corresponds to the snapshotnode 572 associated with the jump point. For example, the user wouldlike to encounter the bear in his or her own game play 830. Inparticular, navigation to snapshot node 572 in the game play of the useris possible by the user via snapshot node graph 530 and/or universalnode graph 550. In particular, the user is able to discover the possiblepaths available between snapshot node 562 and snapshot node 572encountered by other users (e.g., friend F1) by reviewing the snapshotnode graph 530. Additionally, the user is able to discover the generallogical paths available between snapshot node 562 and snapshot node 572by reviewing the universal node graph 550. In that manner, the user isable to navigate to a snapshot node 823 (e.g., via nodes 821 and 822)and encounter the bear. It is important to note that nodes 821 and 822roughly align with snapshot nodes 565 and 570, originally capturedduring the game play of friend F1, but may not be identical.

Snapshot nodes 823, 824, and 829, etc. show the route taken in the gameplay 830 of the user, in the second segment 832, wherein the character306 is now encountering and engaging with the bear. The route takenafter the initial encounter with the bear at snapshot node 823(including nodes 824, 829, etc.) may not be identical with the route inthe jump game (e.g., nodes 572, 851, 852, and 859), nor may it beidentical with the route in the game play of friend F1 (e.g., nodes 572,573, and 574). This is because the game play 830 of the user has its ownunique input commands that drive the video game.

With the detailed description of the various modules of the gamingserver and client device communicating over a network, a method fornavigating through a gaming world of a video game executing over agaming network is now described in relation to flow diagram 900 of FIG.9, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Flowdiagram 900 illustrates the process and data flow of operations involvedat the game server side for purposes of generating information that isdisplayed over a network at a client device.

The method begins at operation 910, and includes capturing a pluralityof snapshots generated from a plurality of instances of a video gameexecuted in association with a plurality of users. In particular, theinstances of the video game are being executed by one or more gameprocessors 210 of one or more game servers 205 of FIG. 1. As eachinstance of the video game is being executed, one or more snapshots arecaptured, wherein a snapshot enables execution of an instance of thevideo game beginning from a point in said video game corresponding tothat snapshot, as previously described.

In particular, the snapshot includes a snapshot image that comprises arendered image generating by the instance of the video game that isexecuted in association with a game play of a corresponding user. Therendered image shows a scene of the video game corresponding to a pointin the video game, wherein the point shows the progression in the gameplay of the user through the video game.

In addition, the snapshot also includes game state data that enables thegeneration of an environment corresponding to point in said video game.That is, based on the snapshot the corresponding scene and environmentare generated, wherein the character is instructed to interact with theenvironment through the game play of the user.

Further, the snapshot includes random seed data providing additionalfeatures for the scene and environment, as previously described. Forexample, a cloud configuration and movement of one or more genericcharacters may be uniquely generated for inclusion into the scene andenvironment that is associated with the game play of the user. As such,the cloud configuration and movement of one or more generic charactersmay be different for each instance of the video game.

Also, the snapshot includes user saved data that enables generation of acharacter for the game play of the corresponding user. The character hasa first state corresponding to point in video game at which the snapshotwas captured. For example, the first state defines the look and type ofthe character, the clothing worn by the character, the level achievedfor the character, the weaponry available to the character, the lifestatus for the character at that point, etc.

At operation 920, the method includes generating for display a firsttimeline of a first user playing the video game. The first timelineincludes snapshot images of at least one user (the first user and/orother users) progressing through the video game. The snapshot images inthe timeline are displayed in relation to a currently rendered image ofa first instance of the video game executing in association with thefirst user. Each snapshot image can be cross-referenced to acorresponding snapshot. The currently rendered image is associated witha current point in the progression of the video game by the first user.

At operation 930, the method includes generating for display in thefirst timeline a plurality of first thumbnails including a plurality offirst snapshot images associated with the first user. That is, the firstthumbnails show the progress through the video game of the first user.In particular, the plurality of first snapshots includes at least onerendered image showing past progress of the first user in comparison tothe currently rendered image.

At operation 940, the method includes generating for display in thefirst timeline a plurality of second thumbnails including a plurality ofsecond snapshot images associated with a second user. That is, thesecond thumbnails show the progress through the video game of the seconduser. In particular, the plurality of second snapshot images includes atleast one rendered image showing progress of the future progress of thesecond user at a point in the video game after the currently renderedimage.

In other implementations the plurality of second snapshot images showspast and/or current progress of the second user. For example, the secondsnapshots includes at least one rendered image showing progress of thesecond user at a point in the video game before the currently renderedimage generated for display at a client device of the first user.

In still other embodiments, additional timelines may be generated fordisplay at the client device. For example, a second timeline of a thirduser is generated for display. The second timeline includes a pluralityof third snapshot images of the third user. The second timeline includesa plurality of rendered images showing progress of the third user duringgame play of the video game at a plurality of points in the video gamebefore and after the currently rendered image associated with the gameplay of the first user.

As previously described, a selected snapshot image enables the jumpexecuting engine 216 of game processor 210 to access the snapshotcorresponding to snapshot image, instantiate another instance of thevideo game based on the snapshot, and execute the video game beginningat a point (now identified as a jump point) in the video gamecorresponding to the snapshot. For example, the game processor 210receives selection by the first user of a selected snapshot image fromthe plurality of second snapshots in the first timeline, wherein theselected snapshot image is associated with game play of the second user.Further, the game processor is configured to jump execution of a firstinstance of the video game executed in association with game play of thefirst user to a jump point in the video game associated with theselected snapshot image. In one implementation, the first instance ofthe video game is paused and/or terminated, and another instance of thevideo game, the jump game, is instantiated based on the snapshot of theselected snapshot image.

In that manner, the first user is able to jump into the game play of thesecond user. For instance, the first user is able to instruct thecharacter used in the game play of the second user in the jump game. Thecorresponding snapshot of the selected snapshot image includes seconduser saved data enabling generation of the character used in the gameplay of the second user, and also used for a jump game play of the firstuser in the jump game. The second user saved data and the secondcharacter originate from the game play of the second user. As such, thefirst user creates a jump game play during execution of the jump game.

After the first user is finished with the jump game, the first instanceof the video game may be resumed. That is, the second instance of thevideo game executing the jump game is terminated, and the first instanceof the video game associated with the game play of the first user isresumed. In that manner, the first user may resume his or her own gameplay of the video game.

The first user may also select a snapshot image in the prior game playof the first user. For example, the game processor may be configured toreceive selection of a selected snapshot image in the plurality of firstsnapshot images associated with the prior game play. Execution of thefirst instance of the video game is jumped to a jump point in the videogame associated with the selected snapshot image. In one implementationjumping is enabled through another instance of the video game based onthe snapshot corresponding to the selected snapshot image. In anotherimplementation, jumping is enabled through the first instance of thevideo game.

In addition, a node graph may be generated for display at the clientdevice. The node graph includes a plurality of snapshot nodescorresponding to snapshot images displayed in the timeline, aspreviously described. The plurality of snapshot nodes defines aplurality of paths, wherein the paths and nodes are associated with gameplays of the first user and the second user. Each node in the node graphis associated with a corresponding snapshot.

Further, the node graph may allow for jumping by the first user into thegame play of the same or another user. For example, the game processoris configured to receive selection of a selected snapshot node in thenode graph. The snapshot node is associated with a correspondingsnapshot. A selected snapshot image corresponding to the selectedsnapshot node may optionally be generated for display at the clientdevice. In particular, selection of the selected snapshot node and/orcorresponding snapshot image enables jumping of the execution of thefirst instance of the video game executed in association with game playof the first user to a jump point in the video game associated with theselected node.

Game Play Access Via Video Recording

Generally speaking, the various embodiments of the present disclosuredescribe systems and methods providing for a user to jump into thestored game play of a player participating in a gaming application via astreamed video recording of the stored game play, particularly whenexecuted on a cloud-based gaming system. The video recording includes orreferences a plurality of snapshots that were originally captured duringthe game play, wherein a snapshot includes metadata and/or informationenabling the instantiation of an instance of the gaming application atthe point corresponding to snapshot capture. The snapshot allows anyrequesting user to instantiate and direct the instance of the gamingapplication, even though the requesting user may not be playergenerating the stored game play. The video recording may be selectablethrough a timeline including one or more snapshot images of the storedgame play, wherein each snapshot image corresponds to a snapshot, andwherein the snapshot images are displayed in a manner giving the viewera sense of the progression of the player in the gaming application. Thetimeline may be presented when a user is playing the gaming application,thereby giving the user a sense of the possibilities in the game play ofthe user by previewing the game play of other players. Selection of avideo frame in the streamed video recording identifies a jump point,wherein the selected video frame is associated with a correspondingsnapshot which is used to instantiate a jump game play. The selectedvideo frame may not correspond to a snapshot, and may be located at, ornear, or between one or more snapshots. The jump game play isautomatically executed to replay the game play of the player untilreaching the jump point using saved input commands previously used todirect the game play of the player, after which the jump game playbecomes live for the requesting user (i.e., the jump game play isdirected by user input commands).

Embodiments of the present disclosure providing for a user to jump intothe stored game play of a player participating in a gaming applicationvia a video recording may be implemented within the systems of FIGS. 1-2previously described.

FIG. 10 illustrates components of a system used for game play access viaa video recording streamed to a client device, which allows a user tojump into the stored game play of any player participating in a gamingapplication based on snapshots generated and captured during the gameplay of the player by the system, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments components usedfor game play access via a streamed video recording may be includedwithin the game processor 210 of game server 205, previously introducedin FIG. 1. Further, the game server 205 is included within the gamecloud system (GCS) 201 of FIG. 2, such that GCS 201 is configurable toprovide game play access via a video recording, in other embodiments.

In particular, game processor 210 includes various components configuredto instantiate an instance of a gaming application based on a snapshotcaptured during a previous game play of a player participating in agaming application. Game processor 210 was previously introduced in FIG.1, and included game executing engine 211, snapshot generator 212,timeline generator 213, node graph generator 214, AI overlay module 215,and jump game executing engine 216. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10game processor 210 further includes video player 1010 configured tostream a video recording to a client device, replay engine 1015, jumpgame input manager 1020, replay start point selector 1025, ghostingengine 1030, and guiding engine 1035. One or more components of gameprocessor 210, taken alone or in combination, are configurable toprovide for jumping into the stored game play of a player participatingin a gaming application via a streamed video recording of the storedgame play. Further, one or more components of game processor 210 providefor game play access via a video recording within a cloud-based gamingsystem, such as GCS 201, in other embodiments of the disclosure.

In particular, system 10 of FIG. 1 includes a game server 205 executinggame processor module 210 that provides access to a plurality ofinteractive video games or gaming applications, and more particularlyprovides interactive access to a stored game play of a gamingapplication via a video recording of the game play that is streamed to aclient device, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, client device 100 isconfigured for requesting access to a particular game play of a playerin the form of a jump game play. The request for access may be made viaa video recording of the game play of the player that is streamed to theclient device, such that an associated snapshot included and/orreferenced through the video recording is used to instantiate the jumpgame play. In particular, the game server 2015 executes the instance ofthe gaming application to instantiate the jump game play based on thesnapshot, and generates rendered images that are delivered to the clientdevice 100 for display.

For instance, video player 1010 is configured for generating a pluralityof video frames when playing a video recording of a selected game playof a player participating in a gaming application. Video player 1010 maywork independently of or in cooperation with the video recorder 271 togenerate, save, access, and/or play a recording (e.g., video, audio,etc.) of the game play, along with any game metrics corresponding tothat game play. In one embodiment, a video recording of the stored gameplay is selectable through one or more snapshot images of the storedgame play presented through a timeline that is rendered for display onclient device 100, wherein the snapshot images are presented to showprogression of the game play in the gaming application. That is,selection of one of the snapshot images captured during the game playprovides for selection and play of the video recording of the storedgame play. Image frames of the video recording are streamed and/ordelivered over a network to the client device of a user for display.

Further, the video recording includes or references a plurality ofsnapshots captured during the game play, wherein a snapshot includesmetadata and/or information enabling the instantiation of an instance ofthe gaming application at the point in the game play corresponding tothe snapshot capture. As such, selection of a jump point in the videorecording (e.g., via a video frame) provides for the instantiation of ajump game play beginning at the jump point. In particular, replay engine1015 is configured to create and execute an instance of the gamingapplication to instantiate the jump game play. The instance of thegaming application is instantiated based on an associated snapshotdetermined through the selection of the jump point, wherein the jumppoint may directly correspond to the associated snapshot, or wherein thejump point is located near to the associated snapshot, or between theassociated snapshot and another snapshot. As such, the associatedsnapshot is used to instantiate the jump game play. In oneimplementation, the replay engine 1015 works independently of, or incooperation with the jump game executing engine 216 to provideinteractive access to a stored game play.

In particular, the replay start point selector 1025 is configured todetermine the start point of the replay portion of the jump game play.That is, after selection of the jump point, an appropriate andassociated initiating snapshot is selected to initiate and/orinstantiate the instance of the gaming application that is used toexecute the game play of the player, wherein the jump point may notcorrespond to a point in the game play where the initiating snapshot wascaptured. During the replay portion of the jump game play, the storedgame play is automatically replayed up to the jump point from the pointin the game play where the initiating snapshot was captured to the jumppoint, after which the jump game play becomes live for the requestinguser, such that the replay engine 1015 and/or the jump game executingengine 216 handles input commands from the client device 100 of therequesting user.

In particular, during the replay portion of the jump game play, the jumpgame input manager 1020 determines and accesses a plurality of inputcommands used for execution by the instance of the gaming application.The plurality of input commands was previously used to direct therecorded or stored (used interchangeably) game play of the player. Theplurality of input commands were captured and stored (e.g., in database1040 of datastore 140 of FIG. 1) in association with one or moresnapshots generated during the stored game play of the player. Forexample, a snapshot may store input commands used up to, and mayinclude, the point at which the corresponding snapshot was captured, andmay be collected beginning at a point associated with the previous andnearest snapshot. That is, the stored input commands for a correspondingsnapshot bring the game play from a previous snapshot to thecorresponding snapshot. Also, a snapshot may store input commands usedat and/or after the point at which the corresponding snapshot wascaptured, ending at a point associated with the next and/or nearestsnapshot. That is, the stored input commands for a correspondingsnapshot bring the game play from the corresponding snapshot to the nextsnapshot. In another implementation, a snapshot may store input commandsused previous to and after the point at which the corresponding snapshotwas captured.

With the detailed description of the various modules of the gamingserver 205 and client device 10 communicating over a network 150, amethod for gaming is now described in relation to flow diagram 1100, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,flow diagram 1100 illustrates steps in a method that provide interactiveaccess to a stored game play of a player participating in a gamingapplication, such as through a video recording of the game play that isstreamed to a client device of a user. More specifically, the method offlow diagram 1100 discloses a method that provides for a user to jumpinto the stored game play based on a snapshot generated and capturedduring the game play, wherein the snapshot is selectable through a videorecording of the stored game play that is streamed to a client device.Flow diagram 1100 illustrates the process and data flow of operationsinvolved at the game server 205 side of a cloud-based gaming system 201(e.g., GCS 201) for purposes of generating information that is displayedover a network 150 at a client device 200.

Operation 1105 in the method includes receiving from a client deviceassociated with a user selection of a video recording of game play of aplayer for a gaming application. For example, the video recording may bea video clip of a portion of the game play of the player. The player maydetermine that the portion of the game play is important (e.g., containsrelevant information, involves beating a boss, etc.), and may elect togenerate and store that portion of the game play in a video recording.The video recording may be stored in a database, thereby allowing otherusers to view the recorded or stored game play of the player. That is,other users and/or players may access (e.g., through streaming) and playthe video recording on a corresponding client device. The database maystore a plurality of video recordings associated with a plurality ofgame plays of a plurality of gaming applications, thereby creating arepository of stored game plays accessible by multiple users.

In one embodiment, the video recording is selected through a timelinethat includes one or more snapshot images of the game play. The timelinemay be presented simultaneously with the game play of the user whileparticipating in the gaming application, as previously described inrelation to FIGS. 1-9. That is, while the user is playing the gamingapplication, the user may wish to preview a game play of another playerthrough a video recording of that game play that is streamed to theclient device of the user, and further through interactive access of thestored game play of the other player. Also, while the user is playingthe gaming application, the user may wish to review his game play,through a video recording of stored game play of the user that is alsostreamed to the client device of the user, and further throughinteractive access of the stored game play of the user. That is, thesnapshot images in the timeline provide an association with and accessto the corresponding video recording and/or interactive access to thestored game play in the form of a jump game play.

Operation 1110 in the method includes streaming the video recordingincluding the recorded or stored game play over a network to the clientdevice associated with the user. The stored game play is for a playerparticipating in a gaming application. The user gains access to thestored game play for viewing, wherein the game play may be of a playerother than the user, or may be a player that is the user.

At 1120, the method includes receiving from the client device selectionof a jump point in the stored game play via the video recording. Thatis, a selected point in the video recording defines a jump point, fromwhich a requesting user would like to begin interactive access with ajump game play that is based on the game play of the player. In otherwords the requesting user desires to gain interactive access to the gameplay of the player, via the jump game play.

At 1130, the method includes instantiating and/or initiating an instanceof the gaming application based on a snapshot, such as an initiatingsnapshot. The instance of the gaming application instantiates a jumpgame play. In particular, the video recording is associated with one ormore snapshots captured during the game play of the player, includingthe initiating snapshot that is captured at a first point in the gameplay of the player. In one embodiment, the video recording is associatedwith at least a beginning snapshot captured at a beginning point in therecorded game play (i.e., the beginning of the video recording), and anend snapshot captured at an end point in the stored and/or recorded gameplay (i.e., the end of the video recording). In embodiments, theinitiating snapshot may correspond to one of the beginning snapshot orthe end snapshot, or to a snapshot located between the beginningsnapshot and end snapshot, or to a snapshot captured at a point in thegame play that is outside of but still associated with the recorded gameplay of the video recording. A snapshot includes metadata and/orinformation enabling the instantiation and/or initiation of an instanceof the gaming application at the point corresponding to the snapshotcapture. For example, a snapshot includes a snapshot image comprising arendered image generated by a first instance of the gaming applicationexecuted in association with the game play of the player. The snapshotimage corresponds to a video frame that corresponds to a point in thegame play of the player.

For illustration, the initiating snapshot includes a first snapshotimage, which corresponds to a first video frame of the video recordingthat further corresponds to the first point of the game play. Thesnapshot also includes game state data enabling the generation of anenvironment corresponding to the first point in the game play, aspreviously described. The snapshot also includes random seed data thatprovides additional features for the environment, as previouslydescribed. The snapshot also includes user saved data enablinggeneration of a character for the game play of said player, wherein thecharacter has a first state corresponding to the first point in the gameplay. For example the user saved data may include the game difficultyselected by the player, game level, character attributes, characterlocation, number of lives left, the total possible number of livesavailable, armor, trophy, time counter values, etc. The snapshot alsoincludes at least one input command of the sequence of input commands,wherein input commands associated with the snapshot (e.g., leading up toor leading away from the snapshot) are captured and stored.

As such, the gaming application is started at the point corresponding tothe capture of the initiating snapshot, and is based on a gamingenvironment previously defined by the stored game play (e.g., scene,character, etc.) of the player. For example, the initiating snapshotenables the instantiation and/or initiation of an instance of the gamingapplication beginning at the first point in the game play of the player.

In one embodiment, the jump point may correspond to a captured snapshot,wherein the captured snapshot may be used to instantiate and/or initiatethe jump game play, as previously described. For example, when the jumppoint directly corresponds to the initiating snapshot (and the firstpoint), the initiating snapshot may be used to instantiate and/orinitiate the jump game play beginning at the jump point, and wherein thejump game play immediately becomes live for the requesting user throughexecution of input commands from the requesting user.

In another embodiment, the jump point may not correspond to a snapshotthat is used to instantiate the jump game play. That is, the jump gameplay is instantiated and executed by the instance of the gamingapplication based on the initiating snapshot, but the jump point may notdirectly correspond with the first point in the game play of the player,wherein the first point corresponds directly with the initiatingsnapshot. However, the jump point is associated with the initiatingsnapshot (e.g., nearest snapshot to the jump point) that is used toinstantiate and/or initiate the jump game play, such that the jump gameplay may be used to reach the jump point. In particular, the jump gameplay includes a replay portion and a live portion. As such, the jumpgame play may be automatically executed through the replay portion toreach the jump point (e.g., using saved input commands from the storedgame play), after which the jump game play becomes live for therequesting user through execution of input commands from the requestinguser.

Specifically during the replay portion, at operation 1140 the methodincludes accessing a plurality of and/or sequence of input commandsassociated with the initiating snapshot and/or the jump point. The inputcommands were used to previously direct the stored and/or recorded gameplay of the player.

During the replay portion, the input commands when executed by theinstance of the gaming application instantiating the jump game playreplays the stored game play of the player from the first point to thejump point. Specifically, at operation 1150, the method includesgenerating at the instance of the gaming application a plurality ofimage frames based on the sequence of input commands for rendering atthe client device. The plurality of image frames replays the game playof the player (in the jump game play) from the first point to the jumppoint. For example, the plurality of image frames includes a first imageframe corresponding to a first video frame of the first point in thegame play of the player, and a second image frame corresponding to asecond video frame of the jump point. The replay portion generates imageframes between the first image frame corresponding to the first pointand the second image frame corresponding to the jump point.

In one embodiment, the method includes forwarding through the game playof the player that is replayed and/or recreated during the replayportion of the jump game play. That is, the sequence of input commandsis executed in forward order in the instance of the gaming application,wherein input commands can be sequentially ordered for purposes ofdirecting the original execution of the stored game play. In anotherembodiment, the method includes rewinding through the game play of theplayer that is replayed and/or recreated during the replay portion ofthe jump game play. That is, the sequence of input commands is executedin reverse order in the instance of the gaming application, whereininput commands can be sequentially ordered for purposes of directing theoriginal execution of the stored game play

In one embodiment, the method includes overclocking execution of thesequence of input commands That is, the replay portion of the jump gameplay is played in fast motion, such that the game play is shown fastforwarding from the first point to the jump point, or the game play isshown quickly rewinding from the first point to the jump point, as willbe further described below in relation to FIG. 13A. In one embodiment,during the replay portion, additional content may be shown to the user(e.g., advertising, music videos, news clips, other video recordings,etc.).

After the replay portion, the jump game play proceeds to the liveportion. Specifically, at operation 1160, the method includes handlinginput commands received from the client device and executed at theinstance of the gaming application beginning from the jump point.Previously, during the replay portion of the jump game play inputcommands received from the client device were blocked from being handledby the instance of the gaming application.

In one embodiment, access is provided to current game play, which isactively being generated and stored in real-time. In particular, insteadof a video recording, streaming live video is delivered over a networkto the client device. That is, in flow diagram 1100, the content that isdelivered in operation 1110 is a live streaming video of a live gameplay of a player participating in a gaming application. In that manner,snapshots captured during the live game play may be selectable to allowfor the user to experience the live game play via a jump game play. Thatis, the user is able to select via a video frame of the streaming livevideo a snapshot captured during the live game play to initiate aninstance of the gaming application to execute the jump game play.

FIG. 12A is an illustration of a plurality of rendered video frames in avideo recording 1201 of a stored game play of a player participating ina gaming application, wherein the video recording is used forinteractive access to stored game play, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In one implementation, the videorecording 1201 is used in the selection of a jump point 1290 asdescribed in operation 1120 of FIG. 11, and for initiating an instanceof the gaming application to instantiate a jump game play as describedin operation 1130. For purposes of illustration, video recording 1201 isshown as a bar representative of the length of the recording, and theapproximate locations of each video frame within the video recording1201.

In particular, video recording 1201 includes a plurality of video framesthat when rendered at a client device is sequentially displayed. Thevideo recording 1201 was generated during the game play of a playerparticipating in a gaming application as previously described, and maybe of a selectable length. For purposes of illustration, the videorecording includes at least video frames 1210-1214 located at variouspoints as shown in the navigation bar 1201. It is understood that one ormore additional video frames may be located between any two of the videoframes shown in FIG. 12A.

In addition, each of the video frames can be associated with at leastone snapshot captured during the game play of the player. For purposesof illustration, FIG. 12A shows a close correlation between a videoframe and a snapshot, such that the video frames 1210-1214 are shownbecause snapshots were captured at or near the points in the game playwhere the video frames were generated. It is important to note that aparticular video frame may not directly correspond to a snapshot, butmay be closely associated to a snapshot. For example, a video frame maybe associated with the nearest captured snapshot. In that manner, therelationship between a video frame/video recording and a snapshot allowsselection by association. For instance, by selecting a snapshot, itsassociated video frame and/or video recording is known. Also, byselecting a video frame within a video recording, its associatedsnapshot is known.

In one embodiment, the video recording 1201 is associated with at leasttwo snapshots, including a beginning snapshot (e.g., SS-1 associatedwith video frame 1210, which can be stored as a snapshot image 610)captured at a beginning point in the stored game play (i.e., thebeginning of the video recording 1210), and an end snapshot (e.g., SS-2associated with video frame 1214 which can be stored as a snapshot image620) captured at an end point in the stored game play (i.e., the end ofthe video recording 1210). In another embodiment, a video recording isassociated with a snapshot that is captured outside of the stored gameplay of the video recording. For example, video recording 1202 includesjump point 1290, but is located between two snapshots (e.g., SS-1associated with snapshot image 610 and SS-2 associated with snapshotimage 620) captured during the game play of the player, but outside ofthe stored game play of video recording 1202.

In particular, video recording 1201 includes video frame 1210 thatclosely correlates to a captured snapshot SS-1 and its snapshot image610. In particular video frame 1210 and snapshot image 610 show a pointin the game play where the character 308 (woman protagonist) first comesupon a bear loitering in front of a cave located in the forest. Inaddition, video recording 1201 includes video frame 1212 that closelycorrelates to a captured snapshot SS-2 and its snapshot image 360 e. Inparticular video frame 1212 and snapshot image 360 e show a point in thegame play where the character 308 is actively engaging or battling withan aggressive bear, wherein character 308 is shown with a coiled ropeused as a weapon. Video recording 1201 includes video frame 1213 thatclosely correlates to a captured snapshot SS-3 and its snapshot image615. In particular video frame 1213 and snapshot image 615 show a pointin the game play where the character 308 has successfully subdued thebear and has tied up the limbs of the bear using the coiled rope.Further, video recording 1201 includes video frame 1214 that closelycorrelates to a captured snapshot SS-4 and its snapshot image 620. Inparticular video frame 1214 and snapshot image 620 show a point in thegame play where the character has won a reward after the successfulbattle with the bear, to include a treasure chest full of coins as wellas a rifle that can be used for subsequent battles.

In addition, video recording 1201 includes video frame 1211 that islocated between video frame 1210 (e.g., SS-1) and video frame 1212(e.g., SS-2). That is, video frame 1211 is located at a point in thegame play of the player that is between two snapshots SS-1 and SS-2. Aclose association can be made between video frame 1211 and at least oneof the two snapshots SS-1 and SS-2, such that either snapshot SS-1 orSS-2 can be used to provide interactive access to the game play of theplayer. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide forthe selection of video frame 1211 (as shown by arrow that is locatedbetween two snapshots SS-1 and SS-2 as a mid-snapshot jump point, andusing either snapshot SS-1 or SS-2 to initiate a jump game play. Thejump game play includes a replay portion and a live portion, such thatthe jump game play may be automatically executed through the replayportion to reach the jump point (e.g., using saved input commands fromthe stored game play), after which the jump game play becomes live forthe requesting user by handling input commands from the user.

FIG. 12B is an illustration of a timeline 310 a displayed during gameplay of a gaming application by a user, wherein passive or activeinteraction with the timeline 310 a provides for display of a streamedvideo recording of a stored game play of a player, and wherein furtherpassive or active interaction with the streamed video recording providesfor interactive access with the game play of the player, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one implementation,the timeline 310 a is used in the selection of a video recording asdescribed in operation 1110 of FIG. 11, for selection of a jump point1290 as described in operation 1120 of FIG. 11, and for initiating aninstance of the gaming application to instantiate a jump game play asdescribed in operation 1130.

As previously described, window 300 shows the currently rendered image305 of the game play of the gaming application by a user. Timeline 310 aincludes snapshot images includes snapshot images (e.g., 360 d, 360 e,360 f, . . . ) of game play by the player (e.g., friend F1 playingcharacter 308) at points in the progression through the gamingapplication occurring after the currently rendered image 305. Thesnapshot images may be presented in timeline 310 a via thumbnails, forexample. Active or passive selection of thumbnail provides forenlargement of the corresponding snapshot image, such as is shown bywindow 410 that is generated and displayed approximately in the samearea of the selected thumbnail.

In one embodiment, active or passive interaction with the timeline 310 aprovides for selection of the video recording 1201 of the game play ofthe player. In particular, further active or passive selection (e.g.,via cursor 490 a) of a snapshot image 360 e in timeline 310 a providesfor the selection of video recording 1201 of the game play of theplayer. For example, selection of snapshot image 360 e may be throughactive or passive selection of window 410. The video recording 1201 maybe shown in window 1212 (e.g., through streaming) concurrent withcurrently displayed image 305, in one implementation. In otherimplementations, window 1212 may be shown independently of window 300,such as in a full screen mode. The video recording 1201 correspondsroughly to a point in the game play associated with the selectedsnapshot image 360 e. For example, the clip shown in video recording1201 may be focused on the boss battle between the character 308 and thebear, and begin with video frame 1210 where the character 308 firstcomes up on the bear, and ends with video frame 1214 where the character308 examines the loot after successfully battling the boss bear. Assuch, the video recording 1201 may begin play with video frame 1210, ormay begin play with any video frame within video recording 1201 throughuser selection, such as a video frame near the selected snapshot 360 e.

Furthermore, the video recording 1201 shown in window 1212 may displayany video frame that is shown by and selectable through navigation bar1260. For example, moveable locator 1265 shows the approximate locationof the video frame 1211 within the video recording 1201. Also, moveablelocator 1265 may be directed to any point and/or video frame within thevideo recording 1201. As such, the video recording 1201 may play throughvideo frames (e.g., forward, reverse, fast, slow), or pause on aparticular video frame. For instance, after viewing the entirety of thevideo recording 1201, the user may elect to go back to video frame 1211by moving locator 1265 to the appropriate location on navigation bar1260. That is, the user is intrigued with the contents of the videorecording 1201, and would like to interactively access the stored gameplay of the player, as described below. As an illustration, the userwould like to experience the boss battle with the bear, and would liketo begin the battle at video frame 1211, where the bear is aggressivelyapproaching character 308.

In particular, further active or passive selection of the videorecording provides interactive access to the stored game play. Morespecifically, further active or passive selection of a video frame(e.g., frame 1211) in the video recording 1201 defines a jump point1290, and instantiates an instance of the gaming application to executea jump game play based on an associated snapshot (e.g., SS-1 or SS-2)captured during game play of the player so that the jump game play isplayable by the requesting user beginning from the selected jump point1290. As previously described, the jump game play includes a replayportion and a live portion, such that the jump game play may beautomatically executed through the replay portion to reach the jumppoint 1290 (e.g., using saved input commands from the stored game play),after which the jump game play becomes live for the requesting user byhandling input commands from the user. Though the associated snapshot(e.g., SS-1 or SS-2) is shown having a corresponding video frame withinthe video recording 1201, in other embodiments the associated snapshotmay not correspond to or be associated with a video frame of videorecording 1201. That is, the associated snapshot may be outside of thevideo recording 1201. In any case, the associated snapshot provides forinteractive access to the stored game play in a jump game play, andallows the user to begin interactive play with the jump game playbeginning at the jump point 1290.

FIG. 13A is an illustration of a plurality of input commands 1330previously used to direct a stored game play 1310 of a playerparticipating in a gaming application, wherein a portion of the inputcommands (e.g., a sequence) is used to implement a replay portion of thejump game play, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the stored game play 1310 includes aplurality of snapshots, including at least SS-1 and SS-2, wherein asnapshot includes metadata and/or information enabling the instantiationof an instance of the gaming application at a point corresponding tosnapshot capture, as previously described. Snapshots SS-1 and SS-2 areshown at their approximate locations defining capture points during thegame play 1310 of the player.

In addition, the stored game play 1310 includes the plurality of inputcommands 1330. Purely for illustration, these input commands may includedirectional commands issued through a toggle, left front button, rightfront button, up, down, right, left, and other selectable commandscorresponding defined by symbols (e.g., box, triangle, cross, etc.) orletters, etc. These input commands were previously used to direct thestored game play 1310. As shown, the input commands may be orderedsequentially with or without periodic spacing between commands, in oneembodiment. In other embodiments, the input commands may not be ordered,and/or may not be sequential. For example, multiple input commands maybe simultaneously issued across different controllers to direct multipleobjects, wherein the order may not be important.

As shown in FIG. 13A, a jump point 1290 is defined within the context ofthe game play 1310. For example, selection of a video frame (e.g., videoframe 1211) defines the jump point 1290 both within the context of gameplay 1310, and within the context of the jump game play newlyinstantiated. For example, the jump point may be defined between SS-1and SS-2, and is selectable through a corresponding video frame 1211 ofvideo recording 1201, as an example. More particularly, the plurality ofinput commands 1330 includes a sequence of input commands 1335 that wereissued between SS-1 and the jump point 1290. Also, the plurality ofinput commands 1330 includes a sequence of input commands 1337 that wereissued between jump point 1290 and SS-2. These sequences 1335 and 1337are used to implement and describe the replay portion of the jump gameplay, as will be further described below. Additional input commands areshown both before SS-1 and after SS-2.

Active or passive selection of the video recording, and morespecifically video frame 1211, provides for the instantiation of thejump game play using an associated snapshot, such as SS-1 or SS-2, aspreviously described. Depending on which snapshot is selected, the jumpgame play will forward through a sequence of input commands to reach thejump point 1290, or rewind through a sequence of input commands to reachthe jump point 1290.

Jump game play 1340 shows the determination that SS-1 is the associatedsnapshot used to initiate the instance of the gaming application toinstantiate jump game play 1340. As shown, jump game play 1340 includesa replay portion defined by section A, and a live portion defined bysection B. In the replay portion of section A, the jump game play 1340automatically executes the game play 1310 of the player between SS-1 andjump point 1290 using the saved input commands from the stored game play1310 (e.g., the sequence of input commands 1335). In this case, thesequence of input commands 1335 is executed in forward fashion to reachthe jump point 1290. In one embodiment, the execution of the sequence1335 is overclocked to quickly reach the jump point. After reaching thejump point 1290 in the replay portion, a transition is made from thereplay portion of section A to the live portion shown by section B,where the jump game play 1340 becomes live by handling input commandsfrom the user, such that the user is interactively directing the jumpgame play 1340. It is important to note that the live portion extends aslong as the user wishes to play the jump game, and in one embodiment canextend beyond any point in the stored game play of the player.

Jump game play 1345 shows the determination that SS-2 is the associatedsnapshot used to initiate the instance of the gaming application toinstantiate jump game play 1345. As shown, jump game play 1345 includesa replay portion defined by section C, and a live portion defined bysection D. In the replay portion of section C, the jump game play 1345automatically executes the game play 1310 of the player between SS-2 andjump point 1290 using the saved input commands from the stored game play1310 (e.g., the sequence of input commands 1337). In this case, thesequence of input commands 1337 is executed in reverse fashion to reachthe jump point 1290. In one embodiment, the execution of the sequence1337 is overclocked to quickly reach the jump point. After reaching thejump point 1290 in the replay portion of section C, a transition is madefrom the replay portion of section C to the live portion shown bysection D, where the jump game play 1345 becomes live by handling inputcommands from the user, such that the user is interactively directingthe jump game play 1345.

In still another embodiment, during the replay portion, as the jump gameplay 1345 is executing additional or auxiliary content may be displayedin a separate window (not shown). In one embodiment, the auxiliarycontent may be overlaid the image frames being generated for display inthe replay portion. For example, the auxiliary content may include anadvertisement that is shown as the jump game play 1345 is executingduring the replay portion. Further, in another embodiment, the auxiliarycontent may be responsive to user input. For example, the auxiliarycontent may be another jump game play.

FIG. 13B is an illustration of an image frame 1311 in a jump game playshown in window 1390, wherein selection of a video frame of a videorecording instantiates an instance of a gaming application to executethe jump game play based on an associated snapshot captured during gameplay of the player, so that the jump game play is playable by therequesting user, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. Asshown, the image frame 1311 roughly corresponds to the jump point 1290that is associated with video frame 1211 of the video recording 1201.That is, image frame 1311 shows that the bear is acting aggressively byturning and walking towards the character 308. As such, the user is ableto interactively direct the jump game play shown in window 1390beginning approximately from image frame 1311, which roughly correspondsto the jump point 1290, in a live portion of the jump game play.

In various embodiments, window 1390 may be independent of or shownsimultaneously with window 300, wherein window 300 shows the currentgame play of the user participating in the gaming application. In thatmanner, the jump game play may be shown simultaneously with the currentgame play of the user (e.g., in a window overlay shown by window 1212),or the jump game play may be shown independently, such as in a fullscreen mode. The current game play of the user and the jump game playmay be of the same gaming application, or different gaming applications,in embodiments.

In one embodiment, the jump game play is separately recorded and storedin a video recording. In addition, a plurality of snapshots may becaptured during the jump game play at any point during the execution ofthe jump game play. For example, snapshot SS-00 is captured in the livejump game play, as is shown in progress bar 1395, wherefuture/anticipated progress to the right of snapshot SS-00 is shown in adotted manner In that manner, any user can experience the jump game playvia a captured snapshot, and through a secondary jump game play that isnewly instantiated. In particular, a selected snapshot captured duringthe jump game play can be used to instantiate an instance of a gamingapplication to execute a secondary jump game play based on the selectedsnapshot captured during the primary jump game play. In that manner, theuser is able to experience any previous jump game play created by thesame user, or may be able to experience stored jump game plays of otherplayers.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a sequence of input commands presentedduring a jump game play that is instantiated based on a snapshotcaptured during game play of a player participating in a gamingapplication, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. By displaying the sequence of input commands, additionalfunctionality may be provided to the user. In one embodiment, thedisplayed sequence of input commands may provide a guiding feature thathelps guide the user to the jump point. In another embodiment, thedisplayed sequence of input commands may be used as for purposes ofghosting, wherein the user attempts to mimic the sequence of inputcommands in the correct and with the same timing, for example. A runningscore 1460 may be provided that indicates how closely the user is ableto mimic the original game play.

As shown, window 1410 displays the jump game play via one or more imageframes, including image frame 1405. In one embodiment, the replayportion of the jump game play is displayed in window 1410. For example,object 1420 is displayed as an executable of the replay portion of thejump game play, wherein the sequence of input commands 1450 isautomatically executed to replay the game play of the player up to ajump point after which the jump game play becomes live by handling inputcommands from the requesting user. Object 1420 was originally generatedin the game play of the player. The sequence of input commands 1450 usedto direct the game play of the player is also shown. The sequence 1450may be provided in an ordered sequence, wherein the input commands arepresented in the order they were generated by a client device. Forexample, the sequence 1450 is overlaid on each of a plurality of imageframes generated during the replay portion of the jump game play.Locator 1435 on progress bar 1430 indicates the current input command(e.g., down) corresponding to the image frame 1405. In oneimplementation, the locator 1435 is static as the sequence of inputcommands 1450 scrolls from right to left, or left to right. In anotherimplementation, the locator 1435 also moves in relation to the sequenceof input commands 1450, as long as the locator 1435 gives a relationshipbetween the currently displayed image frame 1405 and the correspondinginput command Other implementations are supported, such as displayingthe sequence 1450 in a top down fashion, etc.

In one embodiment, the requesting user can mimic the sequence of inputcommands to direct a ghost object that is presented along with theoriginal and corresponding object in corresponding image frames. Inparticular, the ghost object 1425 is responsive to a plurality ofmimicked input commands (not shown). The ghost object 1425 overlays theimage frame 1405 showing object 1420, and may be presented in a mannerthat does not interfere with object 1420 or other objects in the imageframe 1405. The mimicked commands are generated at a client device ofthe user, and attempt to follow the sequence of input commands 1450.Depending on how closely the mimicked commands follow the sequence ofinput commands 1450 will determine the location and movement of ghostobject 1425. The closer the mimicked commands follow the sequence 1450,the closer the alignment will be between the ghost object 1425 and theobject 1420.

A score 1460 may be generated based on how closely the mimicked commandsfollow the sequence of input commands 1450 in terms of commands, orderof commands, and/or timing of commands, etc. The score may overlay theimage frame 1405. For illustration, FIGS. 15A-15E show the relationshipand/or alignment between the object 1420 and the ghost object 1425throughout various images frames as the user provides mimicked commandsfollowing the sequence of input commands 1450. As shown, the alignmentbetween the objects becomes closer throughout the progress of the imageframes. While image frame 1501 in FIG. 15a shows a coarse alignment(i.e., not closely aligned) between object 1420 and ghost object 1425,image frame 1505 in FIG. 15E shows a finer alignment (i.e., closelyaligned) between the objects.

In another embodiment, the sequence of input commands 1450 is presentedin the form of a tutorial. That is, the input commands instruct the useron how to proceed through a particular portion of the game play. Forexample, during the jump game play, control of the replay portion mayactually be directed by the user, instead of automatically replaying theoriginal game play. A ghost object 1425 may or may not be shown in FIG.14 during the tutorial. As such, during the replay portion, inputcommands from the client device may be handled and used to control atleast object 1420. The sequence of input commands is displayed and mayhelp to direct the user towards the jump point. Further, in an effort tobring the jump game play to the jump point, an input command from theclient device may be restricted in terms of handling, wherein therestricted input command does not follow a path to the jump point, andmay unavoidably lead away from the jump point, for example. As such, aninput command may be provided as guidance to the user (e.g., through thesequence of input commands) to bring the jump game play to the jumppoint.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of feature used to guide a player to a jumppoint in a jump game play that is instantiated based on a snapshotcaptured during the stored game play associated with a playerparticipating in a gaming application, in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure. As shown, a sequence of input commands 1620may be displayed that when executed help guide the character 308 in adirection that leads to a jump point. For example, image frame 1610closely corresponds with snapshot image 360 d, which occurs before thejump point 1290 associated with video frame 1211 (an aggressive bearthat is turning towards and walking towards character 308). The user mayelect to start the jump game play at a point that occurs way before SS-1corresponding to video frame 1210 (showing the bear in front of a cave),such as when character 308 is walking through the forest. The guidingfeature will help lead the character 308 to the jump point 1290 bydisplaying the sequence of input commands 1620 used by the player in thestored game play. In addition, an aid, such as arrow 1630 (a visualaid), may be presented to help point the character 308 in the rightdirection (e.g., across the river).

FIG. 17 is flow diagram 1700 illustrating steps in a method for gaming,and more particularly a method that allows a user to jump into thestored game play of a player participating in a gaming application basedon snapshots generated and captured during the game play, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present disclosure. Flow diagram 1700 may beimplemented by the various modules of gaming serve 205 and client device10 that are communicating over a network 150. In particular, flowdiagram 1700 illustrates steps in a method that provides interactiveaccess to a stored game play of a player participating in a gamingapplication. More specifically, the method of flow diagram 1100discloses a method that provides for a user to jump into the stored gameplay based on a snapshot generated and captured during the game play.Flow diagram 1100 illustrates the process and data flow of operationsinvolved at the game server 205 side of a cloud-based gaming system 201(e.g., GCS 201) for purposes of generating information that is displayedover a network 150 at a client device 200.

At operation 1710, the method includes initiating an instance of agaming application based on an initiating snapshot captured at a firstpoint in a game play of a player. The instance of the gaming applicationinstantiates a jump game play. The initiating snapshot includes metadataand/or information enabling the instantiation and/or initiation of aninstance of the gaming application at the point corresponding to wherethe initiating snapshot was captured in the game play.

The initiating snapshot may be selectable through a video recording ofthe game play. In one implementation, the video recording is a livestreaming video, such that the stored game play is considered a livegame play that is also concurrently stored in real-time. Video frames inthe video recording can be associated with one or more snapshotsgenerated and captured during the game play of the player, including theinitiating snapshot that is captured at a first point in the game playof the player. For example, a snapshot includes a snapshot imagecomprising a rendered image generated by a first instance of the gamingapplication executed in association with the game play of the player.The snapshot image corresponds to a video frame that corresponds to apoint in the game play of the player, and may be used to initiate a jumpgame play beginning at that point.

At operation 1720, the method includes accessing a sequence of inputcommands associated with the initiating snapshot, wherein the sequenceof input commands were previously used to direct the stored game play ofthe player.

At operation 1730, the method includes generating at the instance of thegaming application a plurality of image frames based on the sequence ofinput commands for rendering at a client device of a user. Inparticular, the plurality of image frames replays the game play from thefirst point in the game play. At this point, the replay portion of thejump game play is executing. In one embodiment, the replay portionexecutes until reaching a jump point, which can be defined throughactive or passive selection of a video frame of the video recording.

In another embodiment, the jump point is actively defined during thereplay portion. In particular, at operation 1740, the method includesreceiving an initiation request to begin the live portion of the jumpgame play at a selected image frame in the plurality of image frames.For example, as the plurality of image frames are being displayed duringthe replay portion, active or passive interaction with a first imageframe provides the initiation request to begin the live portion, afterwhich the jump game play becomes live for the user through the handlingof input commands from the client device of the user. Further, thereplay portion is deactivated, such that remaining input commands in thesequence that have not been executed are blocked from execution at theinstance of the gaming application instantiating the jump game play. Inthis manner, the jump point may be selectable during the replay portion,such that a previously defined jump point (selected via a video frame ofthe video recording) may be redefined during the replay portion. Forexample, the user may eagerly want to begin active interaction withinthe jump game play. In another implementation, the jump point may beinitially defined through interaction with the replay portion of thejump game play.

While specific embodiments have been provided to demonstrate thegeneration and capture of snapshots of points in game plays of a videogame for of multiple users that are used for previewing and/or jumpingto a previously executed game play of the same or another user via avideo recording of the game play, these are described by way of exampleand not by way of limitation. Those skilled in the art having read thepresent disclosure will realize additional embodiments falling withinthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It should be noted, that access services, such as providing access togames of the current embodiments, delivered over a wide geographicalarea often use cloud computing. Cloud computing is a style of computingin which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources areprovided as a service over the Internet. Users do not need to be anexpert in the technology infrastructure in the “cloud” that supportsthem. Cloud computing can be divided into different services, such asInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), andSoftware as a Service (SaaS). Cloud computing services often providecommon applications, such as video games, online that are accessed froma web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers inthe cloud. The term cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet, basedon how the Internet is depicted in computer network diagrams and is anabstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals.

A Game Processing Server (GPS) (or simply a “game server”) is used bygame clients to play single and multiplayer video games. Most videogames played over the Internet operate via a connection to the gameserver. Typically, games use a dedicated server application thatcollects data from players and distributes it to other players. This ismore efficient and effective than a peer-to-peer arrangement, but itrequires a separate server to host the server application. In anotherembodiment, the GPS establishes communication between the players andtheir respective game-playing devices to exchange information withoutrelying on the centralized GPS.

Dedicated GPSs are servers which run independently of the client. Suchservers are usually run on dedicated hardware located in data centers,providing more bandwidth and dedicated processing power. Dedicatedservers are the preferred method of hosting game servers for mostPC-based multiplayer games. Massively multiplayer online games run ondedicated servers usually hosted by a software company that owns thegame title, allowing them to control and update content.

Users access the remote services with client devices, which include atleast a CPU, a display and I/O. The client device can be a PC, a mobilephone, a netbook, a PDA, etc. In one embodiment, the network executingon the game server recognizes the type of device used by the client andadjusts the communication method employed. In other cases, clientdevices use a standard communications method, such as html, to accessthe application on the game server over the internet.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with variouscomputer system configurations including hand-held devices,microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and the like. Thedisclosure can also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a wire-based or wireless network.

It should be appreciated that a given video game may be developed for aspecific platform and a specific associated controller device. However,when such a game is made available via a game cloud system as presentedherein, the user may be accessing the video game with a differentcontroller device. For example, a game might have been developed for agame console and its associated controller, whereas the user might beaccessing a cloud-based version of the game from a personal computerutilizing a keyboard and mouse. In such a scenario, the input parameterconfiguration can define a mapping from inputs which can be generated bythe user's available controller device (in this case, a keyboard andmouse) to inputs which are acceptable for the execution of the videogame.

In another example, a user may access the cloud gaming system via atablet computing device, a touchscreen smartphone, or other touchscreendriven device. In this case, the client device and the controller deviceare integrated together in the same device, with inputs being providedby way of detected touchscreen inputs/gestures. For such a device, theinput parameter configuration may define particular touchscreen inputscorresponding to game inputs for the video game. For example, buttons, adirectional pad, or other types of input elements might be displayed oroverlaid during running of the video game to indicate locations on thetouchscreen that the user can touch to generate a game input. Gesturessuch as swipes in particular directions or specific touch motions mayalso be detected as game inputs. In one embodiment, a tutorial can beprovided to the user indicating how to provide input via the touchscreenfor gameplay, e.g. prior to beginning gameplay of the video game, so asto acclimate the user to the operation of the controls on thetouchscreen.

In some embodiments, the client device serves as the connection pointfor a controller device. That is, the controller device communicates viaa wireless or wired connection with the client device to transmit inputsfrom the controller device to the client device. The client device mayin turn process these inputs and then transmit input data to the cloudgame server via a network (e.g. accessed via a local networking devicesuch as a router). However, in other embodiments, the controller canitself be a networked device, with the ability to communicate inputsdirectly via the network to the cloud game server, without beingrequired to communicate such inputs through the client device first. Forexample, the controller might connect to a local networking device (suchas the aforementioned router) to send to and receive data from the cloudgame server. Thus, while the client device may still be required toreceive video output from the cloud-based video game and render it on alocal display, input latency can be reduced by allowing the controllerto send inputs directly over the network to the cloud game server,bypassing the client device.

In one embodiment, a networked controller and client device can beconfigured to send certain types of inputs directly from the controllerto the cloud game server, and other types of inputs via the clientdevice. For example, inputs whose detection does not depend on anyadditional hardware or processing apart from the controller itself canbe sent directly from the controller to the cloud game server via thenetwork, bypassing the client device. Such inputs may include buttoninputs, joystick inputs, embedded motion detection inputs (e.g.accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope), etc. However, inputs thatutilize additional hardware or require processing by the client devicecan be sent by the client device to the cloud game server. These mightinclude captured video or audio from the game environment that may beprocessed by the client device before sending to the cloud game server.Additionally, inputs from motion detection hardware of the controllermight be processed by the client device in conjunction with capturedvideo to detect the position and motion of the controller, which wouldsubsequently be communicated by the client device to the cloud gameserver. It should be appreciated that the controller device inaccordance with various embodiments may also receive data (e.g. feedbackdata) from the client device or directly from the cloud gaming server.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein may beexecuted on any type of client device. In some embodiments, the clientdevice is a head mounted display (HMD).

FIG. 18, a diagram illustrating components of a head-mounted display1850 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Thehead-mounted display 1850 includes a processor 1800 for executingprogram instructions. A memory 1802 is provided for storage purposes,and may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. A display 1804 isincluded which provides a visual interface that a user may view. Abattery 1806 is provided as a power source for the head-mounted display1850. A motion detection module 1808 may include any of various kinds ofmotion sensitive hardware, such as a magnetometer 1810, an accelerometer1812, and a gyroscope 1814.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration and gravityinduced reaction forces. Single and multiple axis models are availableto detect magnitude and direction of the acceleration in differentdirections. The accelerometer is used to sense inclination, vibration,and shock. In one embodiment, three accelerometers 1812 are used toprovide the direction of gravity, which gives an absolute reference fortwo angles (world-space pitch and world-space roll).

A magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic fieldin the vicinity of the head-mounted display. In one embodiment, threemagnetometers 1810 are used within the head-mounted display, ensuring anabsolute reference for the world-space yaw angle. In one embodiment, themagnetometer is designed to span the earth magnetic field, which is ±80microtesla. Magnetometers are affected by metal, and provide a yawmeasurement that is monotonic with actual yaw. The magnetic field may bewarped due to metal in the environment, which causes a warp in the yawmeasurement. If necessary, this warp can be calibrated using informationfrom other sensors such as the gyroscope or the camera. In oneembodiment, accelerometer 1812 is used together with magnetometer 1810to obtain the inclination and azimuth of the head-mounted display 1850.

A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, basedon the principles of angular momentum. In one embodiment, threegyroscopes 1814 provide information about movement across the respectiveaxis (x, y and z) based on inertial sensing. The gyroscopes help indetecting fast rotations. However, the gyroscopes can drift overtimewithout the existence of an absolute reference. This requires resettingthe gyroscopes periodically, which can be done using other availableinformation, such as positional/orientation determination based onvisual tracking of an object, accelerometer, magnetometer, etc.

A camera 1816 is provided for capturing images and image streams of areal environment. More than one camera may be included in thehead-mounted display 1850, including a camera that is rear-facing(directed away from a user when the user is viewing the display of thehead-mounted display 1850), and a camera that is front-facing (directedtowards the user when the user is viewing the display of thehead-mounted display 1850). Additionally, a depth camera 1818 may beincluded in the head-mounted display 1850 for sensing depth informationof objects in a real environment.

In one embodiment, a camera integrated on a front face of the HMD may beused to provide warnings regarding safety. For example, if the user isapproaching a wall or object, the user may be warned. In one embodiment,the use may be provided with an outline view of physical objects in theroom, to warn the user of their presence. The outline may, for example,be an overlay in the virtual environment. In some embodiments, the HMDuser may be provided with a view to a reference marker, that is overlaidin, for example, the floor. For instance, the marker may provide theuser a reference of where the center of the room is, which in which theuser is playing the game. This may provide, for example, visualinformation to the user of where the user should move to avoid hitting awall or other object in the room. Tactile warnings can also be providedto the user, and/or audio warnings, to provide more safety for when theuser wears and plays games or navigates content with an HMD.

The head-mounted display 1850 includes speakers 1820 for providing audiooutput. Also, a microphone 1822 may be included for capturing audio fromthe real environment, including sounds from the ambient environment,speech made by the user, etc. The head-mounted display 1850 includestactile feedback module 1824 for providing tactile feedback to the user.In one embodiment, the tactile feedback module 1824 is capable ofcausing movement and/or vibration of the head-mounted display 1850 so asto provide tactile feedback to the user.

LEDs 1826 are provided as visual indicators of statuses of thehead-mounted display 1850. For example, an LED may indicate batterylevel, power on, etc. A card reader 1828 is provided to enable thehead-mounted display 1850 to read and write information to and from amemory card. A USB interface 1830 is included as one example of aninterface for enabling connection of peripheral devices, or connectionto other devices, such as other portable devices, computers, etc. Invarious embodiments of the head-mounted display 1850, any of variouskinds of interfaces may be included to enable greater connectivity ofthe head-mounted display 1850.

A WiFi module 1832 is included for enabling connection to the Internetvia wireless networking technologies. Also, the head-mounted display1850 includes a Bluetooth module 1834 for enabling wireless connectionto other devices. A communications link 1836 may also be included forconnection to other devices. In one embodiment, the communications link1836 utilizes infrared transmission for wireless communication. In otherembodiments, the communications link 1836 may utilize any of variouswireless or wired transmission protocols for communication with otherdevices.

Input buttons/sensors 1838 are included to provide an input interfacefor the user. Any of various kinds of input interfaces may be included,such as buttons, touchpad, joystick, trackball, etc. An ultra-soniccommunication module 1840 may be included in head-mounted display 1850for facilitating communication with other devices via ultra-sonictechnologies.

Bio-sensors 1842 are included to enable detection of physiological datafrom a user. In one embodiment, the bio-sensors 1842 include one or moredry electrodes for detecting bio-electric signals of the user throughthe user's skin.

The foregoing components of head-mounted display 1850 have beendescribed as merely exemplary components that may be included inhead-mounted display 1850. In various embodiments of the disclosure, thehead-mounted display 1850 may or may not include some of the variousaforementioned components. Embodiments of the head-mounted display 1850may additionally include other components not presently described, butknown in the art, for purposes of facilitating aspects of the presentdisclosure as herein described.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in variousembodiments of the disclosure, the aforementioned handheld device may beutilized in conjunction with an interactive application displayed on adisplay to provide various interactive functions. The exemplaryembodiments described herein are provided by way of example only, andnot by way of limitation.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a Game System 1900, according to variousembodiments of the disclosure. Game System 1900 is configured to providea video stream to one or more Clients 1910 via a Network 1915. GameSystem 1900 typically includes a Video Server System 1920 and anoptional game server 1925. Video Server System 1920 is configured toprovide the video stream to the one or more Clients 1910 with a minimalquality of service. For example, Video Server System 1920 may receive agame command that changes the state of or a point of view within a videogame, and provide Clients 1910 with an updated video stream reflectingthis change in state with minimal lag time. The Video Server System 1920may be configured to provide the video stream in a wide variety ofalternative video formats, including formats yet to be defined. Further,the video stream may include video frames configured for presentation toa user at a wide variety of frame rates. Typical frame rates are 30frames per second, 60 frames per second, and 1920 frames per second.Although higher or lower frame rates are included in alternativeembodiments of the disclosure.

Clients 1910, referred to herein individually as 1910A, 1910B, etc., mayinclude head mounted displays, terminals, personal computers, gameconsoles, tablet computers, telephones, set top boxes, kiosks, wirelessdevices, digital pads, stand-alone devices, handheld game playingdevices, and/or the like. Typically, Clients 1910 are configured toreceive encoded video streams (i.e., compressed), decode the videostreams, and present the resulting video to a user, e.g., a player of agame. The processes of receiving encoded video streams and/or decodingthe video streams typically includes storing individual video frames ina receive buffer of the client. The video streams may be presented tothe user on a display integral to Client 1910 or on a separate devicesuch as a monitor or television. Clients 1910 are optionally configuredto support more than one game player. For example, a game console may beconfigured to support two, three, four or more simultaneous players.Each of these players may receive a separate video stream, or a singlevideo stream may include regions of a frame generated specifically foreach player, e.g., generated based on each player's point of view.Clients 1910 are optionally geographically dispersed. The number ofclients included in Game System 1900 may vary widely from one or two tothousands, tens of thousands, or more. As used herein, the term “gameplayer” is used to refer to a person that plays a game and the term“game playing device” is used to refer to a device used to play a game.In some embodiments, the game playing device may refer to a plurality ofcomputing devices that cooperate to deliver a game experience to theuser. For example, a game console and an HMD may cooperate with thevideo server system 1920 to deliver a game viewed through the HMD. Inone embodiment, the game console receives the video stream from thevideo server system 1920, and the game console forwards the videostream, or updates to the video stream, to the HMD for rendering.

Clients 1910 are configured to receive video streams via Network 1915.Network 1915 may be any type of communication network including, atelephone network, the Internet, wireless networks, powerline networks,local area networks, wide area networks, private networks, and/or thelike. In typical embodiments, the video streams are communicated viastandard protocols, such as TCP/IP or UDP/IP. Alternatively, the videostreams are communicated via proprietary standards.

A typical example of Clients 1910 is a personal computer comprising aprocessor, non-volatile memory, a display, decoding logic, networkcommunication capabilities, and input devices. The decoding logic mayinclude hardware, firmware, and/or software stored on a computerreadable medium. Systems for decoding (and encoding) video streams arewell known in the art and vary depending on the particular encodingscheme used.

Clients 1910 may, but are not required to, further include systemsconfigured for modifying received video. For example, a client may beconfigured to perform further rendering, to overlay one video image onanother video image, to crop a video image, and/or the like. Forexample, Clients 1910 may be configured to receive various types ofvideo frames, such as I-frames, P-frames and B-frames, and to processthese frames into images for display to a user. In some embodiments, amember of Clients 1910 is configured to perform further rendering,shading, conversion to 3-D, or like operations on the video stream. Amember of Clients 1910 is optionally configured to receive more than oneaudio or video stream. Input devices of Clients 1910 may include, forexample, a one-hand game controller, a two-hand game controller, agesture recognition system, a gaze recognition system, a voicerecognition system, a keyboard, a joystick, a pointing device, a forcefeedback device, a motion and/or location sensing device, a mouse, atouch screen, a neural interface, a camera, input devices yet to bedeveloped, and/or the like.

The video stream (and optionally audio stream) received by Clients 1910is generated and provided by Video Server System 1920. As is describedfurther elsewhere herein, this video stream includes video frames (andthe audio stream includes audio frames). The video frames are configured(e.g., they include pixel information in an appropriate data structure)to contribute meaningfully to the images displayed to the user. As usedherein, the term “video frames” is used to refer to frames includingpredominantly information that is configured to contribute to, e.g. toeffect, the images shown to the user. Most of the teachings herein withregard to “video frames” can also be applied to “audio frames.”

Clients 1910 are typically configured to receive inputs from a user.These inputs may include game commands configured to change the state ofthe video game or otherwise affect gameplay. The game commands can bereceived using input devices and/or may be automatically generated bycomputing instructions executing on Clients 1910. The received gamecommands are communicated from Clients 1910 via Network 1915 to VideoServer System 1920 and/or Game Server 1925. For example, in someembodiments, the game commands are communicated to Game Server 1925 viaVideo Server System 1920. In some embodiments, separate copies of thegame commands are communicated from Clients 1910 to Game Server 1925 andVideo Server System 1920. The communication of game commands isoptionally dependent on the identity of the command Game commands areoptionally communicated from Client 1910A through a different route orcommunication channel that that used to provide audio or video streamsto Client 1910A.

Game Server 1925 is optionally operated by a different entity than VideoServer System 1920. For example, Game Server 1925 may be operated by thepublisher of a multiplayer game. In this example, Video Server System1920 is optionally viewed as a client by Game Server 1925 and optionallyconfigured to appear from the point of view of Game Server 1925 to be aprior art client executing a prior art game engine. Communicationbetween Video Server System 1920 and Game Server 1925 optionally occursvia Network 1915. As such, Game Server 1925 can be a prior artmultiplayer game server that sends game state information to multipleclients, one of which is game server system 1920. Video Server System1920 may be configured to communicate with multiple instances of GameServer 1925 at the same time. For example, Video Server System 1920 canbe configured to provide a plurality of different video games todifferent users. Each of these different video games may be supported bya different Game Server 1925 and/or published by different entities. Insome embodiments, several geographically distributed instances of VideoServer System 1920 are configured to provide game video to a pluralityof different users. Each of these instances of Video Server System 1920may be in communication with the same instance of Game Server 1925.Communication between Video Server System 1920 and one or more GameServer 1925 optionally occurs via a dedicated communication channel. Forexample, Video Server System 1920 may be connected to Game Server 1925via a high bandwidth channel that is dedicated to communication betweenthese two systems.

Video Server System 1920 comprises at least a Video Source 1930, an I/ODevice 1945, a Processor 1950, and non-transitory Storage 1955. VideoServer System 1920 may include one computing device or be distributedamong a plurality of computing devices. These computing devices areoptionally connected via a communications system such as a local areanetwork.

Video Source 1930 is configured to provide a video stream, e.g.,streaming video or a series of video frames that form a moving picture.In some embodiments, Video Source 1930 includes a video game engine andrendering logic. The video game engine is configured to receive gamecommands from a player and to maintain a copy of the state of the videogame based on the received commands. This game state includes theposition of objects in a game environment, as well as typically a pointof view. The game state may also include properties, images, colorsand/or textures of objects.

The game state is typically maintained based on game rules, as well asgame commands such as move, turn, attack, set focus to, interact, use,and/or the like. Part of the game engine is optionally disposed withinGame Server 1925. Game Server 1925 may maintain a copy of the state ofthe game based on game commands received from multiple players usinggeographically disperse clients. In these cases, the game state isprovided by Game Server 1925 to Video Source 1930, wherein a copy of thegame state is stored and rendering is performed. Game Server 1925 mayreceive game commands directly from Clients 1910 via Network 1915,and/or may receive game commands via Video Server System 1920.

Video Source 1930 typically includes rendering logic, e.g., hardware,firmware, and/or software stored on a computer readable medium such asStorage 1955. This rendering logic is configured to create video framesof the video stream based on the game state. All or part of therendering logic is optionally disposed within a graphics processing unit(GPU). Rendering logic typically includes processing stages configuredfor determining the three-dimensional spatial relationships betweenobjects and/or for applying appropriate textures, etc., based on thegame state and viewpoint. The rendering logic produces raw video that isthen usually encoded prior to communication to Clients 1910. Forexample, the raw video may be encoded according to an Adobe Flash®standard, .wav, H.264, H.263, On2, VP6, VC-1, WMA, Huffyuv, Lagarith,MPG-x, Xvid, FFmpeg, x264, VP6-8, realvideo, mp3, or the like. Theencoding process produces a video stream that is optionally packaged fordelivery to a decoder on a remote device. The video stream ischaracterized by a frame size and a frame rate. Typical frame sizesinclude 800×600, 1280×720 (e.g., 720p), 1024×768, although any otherframe sizes may be used. The frame rate is the number of video framesper second. A video stream may include different types of video frames.For example, the H.264 standard includes a “P” frame and a “I” frame.I-frames include information to refresh all macro blocks/pixels on adisplay device, while P-frames include information to refresh a subsetthereof. P-frames are typically smaller in data size than are I-frames.As used herein the term “frame size” is meant to refer to a number ofpixels within a frame. The term “frame data size” is used to refer to anumber of bytes required to store the frame.

In alternative embodiments Video Source 1930 includes a video recordingdevice such as a camera. This camera may be used to generate delayed orlive video that can be included in the video stream of a computer game.The resulting video stream optionally includes both rendered images andimages recorded using a still or video camera. Video Source 1930 mayalso include storage devices configured to store previously recordedvideo to be included in a video stream. Video Source 1930 may alsoinclude motion or positioning sensing devices configured to detectmotion or position of an object, e.g., person, and logic configured todetermine a game state or produce video-based on the detected motionand/or position.

Video Source 1930 is optionally configured to provide overlaysconfigured to be placed on other video. For example, these overlays mayinclude a command interface, log in instructions, messages to a gameplayer, images of other game players, video feeds of other game players(e.g., webcam video). In embodiments of Client 1910A including a touchscreen interface or a gaze detection interface, the overlay may includea virtual keyboard, joystick, touch pad, and/or the like. In one exampleof an overlay a player's voice is overlaid on an audio stream. VideoSource 1930 optionally further includes one or more audio sources.

In embodiments wherein Video Server System 1920 is configured tomaintain the game state based on input from more than one player, eachplayer may have a different point of view comprising a position anddirection of view. Video Source 1930 is optionally configured to providea separate video stream for each player based on their point of view.Further, Video Source 1930 may be configured to provide a differentframe size, frame data size, and/or encoding to each of Client 1910.Video Source 1930 is optionally configured to provide 3-D video.

I/O Device 1945 is configured for Video Server System 1920 to sendand/or receive information such as video, commands, requests forinformation, a game state, gaze information, device motion, devicelocation, user motion, client identities, player identities, gamecommands, security information, audio, and/or the like. I/O Device 1945typically includes communication hardware such as a network card ormodem. I/O Device 1945 is configured to communicate with Game Server1925, Network 1915, and/or Clients 1910.

Processor 1950 is configured to execute logic, e.g. software, includedwithin the various components of Video Server System 1920 discussedherein. For example, Processor 1950 may be programmed with softwareinstructions in order to perform the functions of Video Source 1930,Game Server 1925, and/or a Client Qualifier 1960. Video Server System1920 optionally includes more than one instance of Processor 1950.Processor 1950 may also be programmed with software instructions inorder to execute commands received by Video Server System 1920, or tocoordinate the operation of the various elements of Game System 1900discussed herein. Processor 1950 may include one or more hardwaredevice. Processor 1950 is an electronic processor.

Storage 1955 includes non-transitory analog and/or digital storagedevices. For example, Storage 1955 may include an analog storage deviceconfigured to store video frames. Storage 1955 may include a computerreadable digital storage, e.g. a hard drive, an optical drive, or solidstate storage. Storage 1915 is configured (e.g. by way of an appropriatedata structure or file system) to store video frames, artificial frames,a video stream including both video frames and artificial frames, audioframe, an audio stream, and/or the like. Storage 1955 is optionallydistributed among a plurality of devices. In some embodiments, Storage1955 is configured to store the software components of Video Source 1930discussed elsewhere herein. These components may be stored in a formatready to be provisioned when needed.

Video Server System 1920 optionally further comprises Client Qualifier1960. Client Qualifier 1960 is configured for remotely determining thecapabilities of a client, such as Clients 1910A or 1910B. Thesecapabilities can include both the capabilities of Client 1910A itself aswell as the capabilities of one or more communication channels betweenClient 1910A and Video Server System 1920. For example, Client Qualifier1960 may be configured to test a communication channel through Network1915.

Client Qualifier 1960 can determine (e.g., discover) the capabilities ofClient 1910A manually or automatically. Manual determination includescommunicating with a user of Client 1910A and asking the user to providecapabilities. For example, in some embodiments, Client Qualifier 1960 isconfigured to display images, text, and/or the like within a browser ofClient 1910A. In one embodiment, Client 1910A is an HMD that includes abrowser. In another embodiment, client 1910A is a game console having abrowser, which may be displayed on the HMD. The displayed objectsrequest that the user enter information such as operating system,processor, video decoder type, type of network connection, displayresolution, etc. of Client 1910A. The information entered by the user iscommunicated back to Client Qualifier 1960.

Automatic determination may occur, for example, by execution of an agenton Client 1910A and/or by sending test video to Client 1910A. The agentmay comprise computing instructions, such as java script, embedded in aweb page or installed as an add-on. The agent is optionally provided byClient Qualifier 1960. In various embodiments, the agent can find outprocessing power of Client 1910A, decoding and display capabilities ofClient 1910A, lag time reliability and bandwidth of communicationchannels between Client 1910A and Video Server System 1920, a displaytype of Client 1910A, firewalls present on Client 1910A, hardware ofClient 1910A, software executing on Client 1910A, registry entrieswithin Client 1910A, and/or the like.

Client Qualifier 1960 includes hardware, firmware, and/or softwarestored on a computer readable medium. Client Qualifier 1960 isoptionally disposed on a computing device separate from one or moreother elements of Video Server System 1920. For example, in someembodiments, Client Qualifier 1960 is configured to determine thecharacteristics of communication channels between Clients 1910 and morethan one instance of Video Server System 1920. In these embodiments theinformation discovered by Client Qualifier can be used to determinewhich instance of Video Server System 1920 is best suited for deliveryof streaming video to one of Clients 1910.

It should be understood that the various embodiments defined herein maybe combined or assembled into specific implementations using the variousfeatures disclosed herein. Thus, the examples provided are just somepossible examples, without limitation to the various implementationsthat are possible by combining the various elements to define many moreimplementations. In some examples, some implementations may includefewer elements, without departing from the spirit of the disclosed orequivalent implementations.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced with variouscomputer system configurations including hand-held devices,microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and the like.Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a wire-based or wirelessnetwork.

With the above embodiments in mind, it should be understood thatembodiments of the present disclosure can employ variouscomputer-implemented operations involving data stored in computersystems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation ofphysical quantities. Any of the operations described herein that formpart of embodiments of the present disclosure are useful machineoperations. Embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a device or anapparatus for performing these operations. The apparatus can bespecially constructed for the required purpose, or the apparatus can bea general-purpose computer selectively activated or configured by acomputer program stored in the computer. In particular, variousgeneral-purpose machines can be used with computer programs written inaccordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient toconstruct a more specialized apparatus to perform the requiredoperations.

The disclosure can also be embodied as computer readable code on acomputer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any datastorage device that can store data, which can be thereafter be read by acomputer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include harddrives, network attached storage (NAS), read-only memory, random-accessmemory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes and other optical andnon-optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium caninclude computer readable tangible medium distributed over anetwork-coupled computer system so that the computer readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion.

Although the method operations were described in a specific order, itshould be understood that other housekeeping operations may be performedin between operations, or operations may be adjusted so that they occurat slightly different times, or may be distributed in a system whichallows the occurrence of the processing operations at various intervalsassociated with the processing, as long as the processing of the overlayoperations are performed in the desired way.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certainchanges and modifications can be practiced within the scope of theappended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and embodiments of thepresent disclosure is not to be limited to the details given herein, butmay be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for gaming, comprising: receiving from aclient device associated with a user selection of a video recording ofgame play of a player for a gaming application; streaming said videorecording to said client device, wherein said video recording isassociated with a snapshot captured at a first point in said game playof said player; receiving from said client device selection of a jumppoint in said video recording; initiating an instance of said gamingapplication based on said snapshot, wherein said instance instantiates ajump game play; accessing a sequence of input commands associated withsaid snapshot and used to direct said game play; generating at saidinstance of said gaming application a plurality of image frames based onsaid sequence of input commands for rendering at said client device,wherein said plurality of image frames replays said game play from saidfirst point to said jump point; blocking execution of input commandsreceived from said client device at said instance of said gamingapplication during replay of said game play using said sequence of inputcommands; and handling input commands from said client device at saidinstance of said gaming application beginning from said jump point. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of image frames replayssaid game play beginning from a first image frame corresponding to afirst video frame of said first point to a second image framecorresponding to a second video frame of said jump point.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein said generating a plurality of image framescomprises: forwarding through said game play that is recreated byexecuting input commands in said sequence of input commands in forwardorder.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: during said replayof said game play, handling input commands from said client device atsaid instance of said gaming application beginning from a point beforesaid jump point to instantiate said jump game play; and during said jumpgame play, restricting execution of a first input command that does notfacilitate a path leading to said jump point.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein said video recording is associated with a beginning snapshotcaptured at a beginning point in said video recording and an endsnapshot captured at an end point in said video recording, and whereinsaid first point is associated with said beginning snapshot or said endsnapshot.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said generating a pluralityof image frames comprises: rewinding through said game play that isrecreated by executing input commands in said sequence of input commandsin reverse order.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said generating aplurality of image frames comprises: overclocking execution of saidsequence of input commands.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein saidsnapshot comprises: a first snapshot image comprising a rendered imagegenerated by a first instance of said gaming application executed inassociation with said game play of said player, wherein said firstsnapshot image corresponds to a first video frame; game state dataenabling the generation of an environment corresponding to said firstpoint in said game play; random seed data providing additional featuresfor said environment; user saved data enabling generation of a characterfor said game play of said player, wherein said character has a firststate corresponding to said first point in said game play; and at leastone input command of said sequence of input commands.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: receiving selection of said video recordingthrough interaction with a timeline of said user playing said gamingapplication, wherein said timeline includes a plurality of snapshotimages of said game play of said player.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein said receiving from said client device selection of a jump pointin said game play comprises: receiving selection of a video frame insaid video recording as said jump point.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein said snapshot is associated with a video frame of said videorecording.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said jump point comprisessaid first point.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:overlaying auxiliary content in said plurality of image frames.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said delivering a video recording comprises:streaming live video over a network to said client device, wherein saidvideo recording comprises said live video.
 15. A method for gaming,comprising: initiating an instance of a gaming application based on aninitiating snapshot captured at a first point in a game play of aplayer; accessing a sequence of input commands associated with saidinitiating snapshot and used to direct said game play; generating atsaid instance of said gaming application a plurality of image framesbased on said sequence of input commands for rendering at a clientdevice of a user, wherein said plurality of image frames replays saidgame play from said first point in said game play; blocking execution ofinput commands received from said client device at said instance of saidgaming application during replay of said game play using said sequenceof input commands; receiving an initiation request to begin a jump gamefrom said client device corresponding to a first image frame in saidplurality of image frames, wherein said first image frame corresponds toa jump point in said game play; and handling input commands from saidclient device at said instance of said gaming application beginning fromsaid jump point.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said initiatingsnapshot comprises: a first snapshot image comprising a rendered imagegenerated by a first instance of said gaming application executed inassociation with said game play of said player, wherein said firstsnapshot image corresponds to a first video frame; game state dataenabling the generation of an environment corresponding to said firstpoint in said game play; random seed data providing additional featuresfor said environment; user saved data enabling generation of a characterfor said game play of said player, wherein said character has a firststate corresponding to said first point in said game play; and at leastone input command of said sequence of input commands.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: generating for display a timelineincluding a plurality of snapshot images of said game play of saidplayer, wherein said plurality of snapshot images corresponds to aplurality of snapshots captured at a plurality of points during saidgame play; receiving selection of a selected snapshot imagecorresponding to a selected snapshot; and determining said initiatingsnapshot based on said selected snapshot.
 18. The method of claim 15,further comprising: streaming over a network to said client device avideo recording of said game play of said player, wherein said videorecording is associated with said initiating snapshot; receiving fromsaid client device selection of a video frame of said video recording assaid initiation request, wherein said video frame corresponds to saidjump point in said game play.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising: generating for display a timeline including a plurality ofsnapshot images of said game play of said player, wherein said pluralityof snapshot images corresponds to a plurality of snapshots captured at aplurality of points during said game play; receiving selection of saidvideo recording through interaction with said timeline.
 20. A game cloudsystem for gaming, comprising: a game server configured to manage aplurality of virtual gaming engines configured to execute a plurality ofinstances of a video game in association with a plurality of usersplaying said video game, wherein said virtual gaming engines areconfigured to capture a plurality of snapshots of rendered imagesgenerated from executing said plurality of instances, and to captureinformation related to each of said plurality of snapshots, whereininformation related to a corresponding snapshot enables execution of aninstance of said video game beginning from said corresponding snapshot;a snapshot datastore for storing said plurality of snapshots; a userdatastore for storing said information; a virtual gaming engineconfigured to: receive from a client device associated with a userselection of a video recording of game play of a player for a gamingapplication; streaming said video recording to said client device,wherein said video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at afirst point in said game play of said player; receive from said clientdevice selection of a jump point in said video recording; initiate aninstance of said gaming application based on said snapshot, wherein saidinstance instantiates a jump game play; access a sequence of inputcommands associated with said snapshot and used to direct said gameplay; generate at said instance of said gaming application a pluralityof image frames based on said sequence of input commands for renderingat said client device, wherein said plurality of image frames replayssaid game play from said first point to said jump point; and handleinput commands from said client device at said instance of said gamingapplication beginning from said jump point, wherein said virtual gamingengine is configured to block execution of input commands received fromsaid client device at said instance of said gaming application duringreplay of said game play using said sequence of input commands.
 21. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein said video recording is associated with abeginning snapshot captured at a beginning point in said video recordingand an end snapshot captured at an end point in said video recording,and wherein said first point is associated with said beginning snapshotor said end snapshot.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein said pluralityof image frames replays said game play beginning from a first imageframe corresponding to a first video frame of said first point to asecond image frame corresponding to a second video frame of said jumppoint.
 23. The system of claim 20, wherein said virtual gaming engine isconfigured to forward through said game play that is recreated byexecuting input commands in said sequence of input commands in forwardorder.
 24. The system of claim 20, wherein said snapshot comprises: afirst snapshot image comprising a rendered image generated by a firstinstance of said gaming application executed in association with saidgame play of said player, wherein said first snapshot image correspondsto a first video frame; game state data enabling the generation of anenvironment corresponding to said first point in said game play; randomseed data providing additional features for said environment; user saveddata enabling generation of a character for said game play of saidplayer, wherein said character has a first state corresponding to saidfirst point in said game play; and at least one input command of saidsequence of input commands.
 25. A method for gaming, comprising:streaming over a network to a client device associated with a user avideo recording of game play of a player for a gaming application,wherein said video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at afirst point in said game play of said player; receiving from said clientdevice selection of a jump point in said video recording; initiating aninstance of said gaming application based on said snapshot, wherein saidinstance instantiates a jump game play; accessing a sequence of inputcommands associated with said snapshot and used to direct said gameplay; generating at said instance of said gaming application a pluralityof image frames based on said sequence of input commands for renderingat said client device, wherein said plurality of image frames replayssaid game play from said first point to said jump point; blockingexecution of input commands received from said client device at saidinstance of said gaming application during replay of said game playusing said sequence of input commands; and handling input commands fromsaid client device at said instance of said gaming application beginningfrom said jump point.
 26. A method for gaming, comprising: receivingfrom a client device associated with a user selection of a videorecording of game play of a player for a gaming application; streamingsaid video recording to said client device, wherein said video recordingis associated with a snapshot captured at a first point in said gameplay of said player; receiving from said client device selection of ajump point in said video recording; initiating an instance of saidgaming application based on said snapshot, wherein said instanceinstantiates a jump game play; accessing a sequence of input commandsassociated with said snapshot and used to direct said game play;generating at said instance of said gaming application a plurality ofimage frames based on said sequence of input commands for rendering atsaid client device, wherein said plurality of image frames replays saidgame play from said first point to said jump point; rewinding throughsaid game play that is recreated by executing input commands in saidsequence of input commands in reverse order; and enabling input commandsfrom said client device at said instance of said gaming applicationbeginning from said jump point for live game play by the user.